Design work for the new Enniskillen Library will be progressed by the Department for Communities, it can be revealed.

In response to a question from DUP MLA Michelle McIllveen, Gordon Lyons, Communities Minister confirmed the progress. In addition, it is hoped that works on Fivemiletown Library will be completed within this financial year.

He said: “ Notwithstanding the budgetary constraints in 2024-25, my Department has provided Libraries NI with just over £4.7 million in capital funding to progress committed projects.

“The funding provided will allow Libraries NI to complete carbon retrofitting work in Killyleagh library, to complete construction of the replacement library in Fivemiletown, to progress its IT infrastructure replacement programme and to progress design work for a replacement library in Enniskillen.”

The Communities minister also noted £820,000 will be spent in book stock.

He added: “I am pleased to advise that my Department is progressing work on a new public libraries policy to reflect the needs, challenges and ambitions of a modern public library service.

“I am mindful of the importance and value of our public library network, which provides safe, welcoming and inclusive spaces for people to read, work, study and access information and services. Given the importance of our public library service to communities throughout Northern Ireland, my Department will seek to provide the fullest support it can in resource and capital funding investment.”