Westmeath libraries receive funding of €180,000

Westmeath libraries are to benefit from funding of €180,648, it was announced this morning.

€135,486 is to come from the Department of Rural and Community Development, and €45,162 from Westmeath County Council.

Fine Gael representatives Deputy Peter Burke, who has made submissions to Minister Michael Ring in relation to this funding, and Cllr Frank McDermott have welcomed the allocation. 

Deputy Burke said: “This is further investment in Westmeath that will benefit the towns and their surrounds in providing a key service for all age-groups.

“Minister Ring has made a number of key investments in the recent past which highlight the prioritisation of regional and rural Ireland by the government. 

“As the economy continues to improve, I am lobbying for this funding to be maintained and increased to reach out into the pockets of this constituency who have not felt the recovery at the same pace as the rest of the country. 

“I welcome the funding, which I know is well deserved by our local libraries and their staff.”