AQO 3722/22-27 Oral question to the Minister for Communities
To ask the Minister for Communities for an update on the redevelopment of Newtownards Library.
Asked by Nick Mathison MLA on 4 June 2026
- Answered
- Oral
- Answered in the Chamber
- Tabled
- 4 June 2026
- Answer due by
- 15 June 2026
- Answered
- 15 June 202611 days after tabling
- Department
- Department for Communities
- Priority question
- No
Answer
Answered in the Assembly Chamber on 15 June 2026. Extract from the Official Report (Hansard), including any supplementary questions:
Mr Lyons
The redevelopment of Newtownards library will deliver modern, accessible library services for the local community and form part of a wider cultural hub for the area. It is a key priority for Libraries NI, and its partnership with Ards and North Down Borough Council, which is leading the project, is important. I can report that the outline business case for the project was approved in March 2026. That was a significant step forward and follows the resolution of the complex governance, partnership working and value-for-money issues involved in a project of that significance. Libraries NI and its council partners are now working to establish the arrangements required for the delivery phase of the project. In parallel, an integrated design team has been appointed, with the intention of submitting a planning application for the combined council and library facility within the current financial year. As with all major capital projects, progress will depend on the conditions of approval being met and on the prioritisation of investment within a very constrained public-sector Budget. I remain committed to seeing the project delivered for the people of Newtownards, however.
Mr Mathison
I thank the Minister for his update. I will highlight the point that, when I was on the council back in 2019, it was already a long-standing saga to get the project over the line, so the people of Newtownards would welcome any progress. On that basis, can the Minister provide any timescale, given that we are years and years into the development of the project? When will the people of Newtownards see a new, redeveloped, fit-for-purpose library in the town?
Mr Lyons
I have been clear that Newtownards library is a priority project for me, and the approval of the outline business case demonstrates greater progress than has been made in many years. I hope that that is of some comfort to the people of Newtownards. Governance arrangements are being finalised, and design work is progressing, so the project now has a clear pathway. I remain committed to delivering the project, and I will continue to monitor it closely as it moves towards delivery. I assure the Member that I will continue to engage with Executive colleagues as part of the Budget process to seek and secure the necessary funding for it.
Mrs Erskine
The Minister has not forgotten about Fermanagh. I welcomed his announcement of three quarters of a million pounds for the redevelopment of Enniskillen library. We went down on what was a very happy day to visit that library. Can he update me on progress on the redevelopment of Enniskillen library, please?
Mr Lyons
I am happy to tell the Member that the project is progressing well, with procurement to appoint a contractor at an advanced stage. Subject to the completion of that process, it is anticipated that a contract will be awarded over the summer, with work expected to commence on-site in the autumn. As with all capital projects, further progress will depend on the availability of funding. The Member has frequently reminded me of the project's importance, so I look forward to seeing real progress being made.