OPW considers old Tuam library for government use

By SIOBHÃÂN HOLLIMAN THE OPW has been looking at the old library in Tuam as a possible location for future government use. There has been considerable interest in the vacant building on Shop Street since it became vacant after the to[private]wn library relocated to a purpose-built facility on High Street. Representatives of a number of arts and voluntary groups had offered to pay rent on the Co Council-owned property, but the local authority recently shot down that idea on the grounds that it wouldn't prove commercially viable. Some maintenance and possible renovation works have been taking place on the building over the past week, sparking speculation that an announcement is likely soon as to the future use of the red-brick building. Director of Services Eugene Cummins said the offer of €13,000 a year in rent by the arts group wasn't enough. The Council has always been against letting the property on a short term basis and The Herald understands that negotiations with a long-term client are nearing an end. Initially the Co Council had intended to sell the large property to help meet the repayments on a large debt accrued to build the new council offices and library on High Street. However, the property downturn has made any prospect of getting a reasonable sale price on the building unlikely. OPWâ€Ë†inspections The building is one of a number in Tuam that have been inspected by the OPW recently in effort to find suitable accommodation for state-related services. Galway East Deputy Colm Keaveney says he is aware that discussions have taken place between the OPW and the Co Council regarding the old library. 'Discussions have been ongoing for some time. It is healthy to see the competing interest in the building and it demonstrates the vibrancy of the communiy. He said that ultimately a decision will be made that takes into consideration the commercial viability of the building, its community focus and increasing the footfall on Shop Street. The Labour TD said it was his understanding that the prospective tenant would provide a valuable public service to the town centre. A range of services around the city and county are dealing with capacity issues following changes in some government departments and the merger of other services. It's speculated that some services and their staff will be brought together under the one roof in a number of towns, not just Tuam, over the coming months.[/private]