Menu
01/06/2005
NEELB confirm nine library closures
The North Eastern Education and Library Board (NEELB) has confirmed that nine libraries are to close as part of cost cutting measures.
Ahoghill, Ballee, Bellaghy, Bushmills, Castlerock, Cloughmills, Cullybackey, Monkstown and Templepatrick will all shut in the coming months. However, libraries at Broughshane, Carnlough and Garvagh have been saved from closure.
The NEELB said that all employees affected by the closures would be redeployed elsewhere.
Commenting on the announcement, Minister for Culture and Arts David Hanson said the decision to close the affected libraries was “difficult” and “hard”.
“It is important to remember that the North Eastern Education and Library Board currently has 37 libraries compared with between 16 and 25 in each of the other four Board areas,” the Minister said.
“I welcome the fact that library services will not be removed in any area, but as a result of the findings of its own recent consultation exercise, the Board will be supplying the service in a different, more cost effective way.”
Mr Hanson confirmed that his Department was working on developing a new Policy Framework for the public library service across Northern Ireland which he hoped would provide guiding principles and priorities for its future development.
(MB)
Ahoghill, Ballee, Bellaghy, Bushmills, Castlerock, Cloughmills, Cullybackey, Monkstown and Templepatrick will all shut in the coming months. However, libraries at Broughshane, Carnlough and Garvagh have been saved from closure.
The NEELB said that all employees affected by the closures would be redeployed elsewhere.
Commenting on the announcement, Minister for Culture and Arts David Hanson said the decision to close the affected libraries was “difficult” and “hard”.
“It is important to remember that the North Eastern Education and Library Board currently has 37 libraries compared with between 16 and 25 in each of the other four Board areas,” the Minister said.
“I welcome the fact that library services will not be removed in any area, but as a result of the findings of its own recent consultation exercise, the Board will be supplying the service in a different, more cost effective way.”
Mr Hanson confirmed that his Department was working on developing a new Policy Framework for the public library service across Northern Ireland which he hoped would provide guiding principles and priorities for its future development.
(MB)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
14 November 2024
Minister Reacts To Teachers' Union Ballot Threat
Education Minister Paul Givan has responded to the announcement by several teachers' unions that they plan to ballot their members for industrial action over 2024/25 pay. Earlier this year, the Minister provided funding to successfully resolve the long-running industrial dispute over teachers' pay for 2021-24.
Minister Reacts To Teachers' Union Ballot Threat
Education Minister Paul Givan has responded to the announcement by several teachers' unions that they plan to ballot their members for industrial action over 2024/25 pay. Earlier this year, the Minister provided funding to successfully resolve the long-running industrial dispute over teachers' pay for 2021-24.
14 November 2024
Health Minister Seeks Urgent Talks On Pay
The Health Minister has confirmed that he has requested an early meeting with health service trade unions to discuss next steps on pay offers for 2024/25. Due to Northern Ireland's budgetary constraints, the Minister is unable to deliver the desired pay settlements for this year.
Health Minister Seeks Urgent Talks On Pay
The Health Minister has confirmed that he has requested an early meeting with health service trade unions to discuss next steps on pay offers for 2024/25. Due to Northern Ireland's budgetary constraints, the Minister is unable to deliver the desired pay settlements for this year.
14 November 2024
Minister Murphy Raises Economic Concerns in London
Economy Minister Conor Murphy today raised a number of key economic issues with British Government Ministers during a visit to London.
Minister Murphy Raises Economic Concerns in London
Economy Minister Conor Murphy today raised a number of key economic issues with British Government Ministers during a visit to London.
14 November 2024
New Defence Heritage Record Launched
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has welcomed the launch of a new Defence Heritage Record, a comprehensive resource detailing over 4,500 sites constructed across Northern Ireland in response to World War One and Two, as well as the Cold War.
New Defence Heritage Record Launched
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has welcomed the launch of a new Defence Heritage Record, a comprehensive resource detailing over 4,500 sites constructed across Northern Ireland in response to World War One and Two, as well as the Cold War.
14 November 2024
Ministers Recognise Work Of US Special Envoy Joe Kennedy
The First Minister and deputy First Minister has thanked U.S. Special Envoy to Northern Ireland for Economic Affairs, Joe Kennedy III, for his contribution to furthering economic links with the U.S. The Special Envoy is in Belfast for a series of events marking his term in office.
Ministers Recognise Work Of US Special Envoy Joe Kennedy
The First Minister and deputy First Minister has thanked U.S. Special Envoy to Northern Ireland for Economic Affairs, Joe Kennedy III, for his contribution to furthering economic links with the U.S. The Special Envoy is in Belfast for a series of events marking his term in office.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
