Minutes of SPC 5 meeting held on 7th April 2005
Present:
Cllr. Ann Phelan, Cllr. Tom Brennan, Cllr. John Coonan, Cllr. Joe
Reidy, Cllr. Mary Hilda Cavanagh, Breda McDonald, Jackie Kennedy
Apologies:
Cllr. Michael O’Brien.
In attendance: Tony Walsh, Dorothy O’Reilly, Declan MacCauley, David Shortall,
Jim Fogarty, Mary Butler
Cllr. Ann Phelan commenced meeting and a minute’s silence was observed for Pope
John Paul 11.
Minutes of meeting of 3rd February 2005 adopted, proposed by Cllr. M.H. Cavanagh
and seconded by Cllr. Tom Brennan.
A comprehensive presentation on the establishment of the Library Service, and a
detailed report on the Library service in the county was presented by Dorothy
O’Reilly. This included the changes that have come about over the years and the
facilities that are available at the Libraries throughout the County, including the
Mobile Library Service.
All members of the committee complimented Dorothy O’Reilly and the Library Staff
on the presentation and particular attention was drawn to the fact that a Library is a
focal point in any community. A recommendation to show the presentation to the full
Council was suggested with a copy of the presentation to be sent to the members of
the SPC 5 committee.
In the subsequent discussion a range of issues were covered:
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The need for a new County Library in Kilkenny City.
The need to develop a branch Library in the south of the county.
The need to implement “Branching Out”. (A Government policy document on
the modernising of the library service)
It was noted that many of the provisions in Branching Out were being implemented.
Issues relating to staffing and grades will need to be addressed in order for the full
policy to be implemented
The Arts Officer, Ms. Mary Butler gave a brief update on the position of the Arts
Strategy and advised the members of up coming events and exhibitions of interest in
the county.
Cllr. Ann Phelan drew attention to an article in the “Kilkenny People” regarding the
swimming pool to which Tony Walsh responded and advised the meeting of the
current situation regarding the swimming pool and the proposals for the new complex
at Scanlon Park.
Next meeting was re scheduled for the 26th May 2005 subject to confirmation from a
number of Members.