Report to outline implications of vote not to relocate public library
Joe Gavin is expected to outline the implications of a contentious council vote last month not to proceed with the relocation of the outdated St Mary’s Road library to a nearby suburban shopping centre.
Councillors has agreed in July 2008 to relocate the facility and build a modern replacement library.
Earlier this year, the city had an offer and acceptance deal with a development company to relocate the branch to a new unit in Blackpool shopping centre.
The deal, with Blackpool Developments, was for a 25-year lease on a 11,600sq ft unit in the shopping centre, at €116,000 a year. It also provided for a break-out clause after five years.
But after the local elections, councillors voted in June to postpone the closure of the library pending “proper consultation” with the community.
Some councillors have argued that while the library should be relocated, they claim they never agreed with the decision to relocate to the shopping centre.
Following the public consultation, the issue came before councillors again on September 28 last.
Mr Gavin warned council that a vote against the move would have consequences. He also accused council of “flip-flopping” on policy decisions.
Nevertheless, they voted 15 to 11 against the shopping centre move sparking fears the city could face financial penalties.
In normal commercial lease arrangements, parties that pull out of such deals can be penalised with the equivalent of three years’ rent.
If that happens in this case, the city could be forced to pay out €348,000.
Tonight’s report will spell out the full implications of the vote and the status of the relocation plan.
Council figures show that of all the city’s public libraries, St Mary’s Road has the lowest number of members and the lowest number of issues.
It was one of the city’s first public library branch offices to open outside the city centre in 1971.
