Newtownmountkennedy is the fastest growing village in the State, it has witnessed a staggering 25% increase in population between the 2016 and 2022 census, soaring from 2,835 to 3,539 residents. This exponential growth underscores the urgent need for adequate public services and amenities to support our expanding community. In 2018 there were plans submitted to Wicklow County Council for a major development on the Main Street in Newtown, these plans included a library. These plans however never progressed.
Abbie O’Loughlin who is one of the Sinn Féin candidates in the Wicklow Municipal District area said.
“Newtownmountkennedy is the fastest growing village in the State, it has witnessed a staggering 25% increase in population between the 2016 and 2022 census, soaring from 2,835 to 3,539 residents. However public amenities and services in the area have not kept pace with the huge increase in population.
Basic, but critical infrastructure such as a secondary school and a library in a fast-growing village such as Newtown are really important. I’m working with my colleague Deputy John Brady to progress plans for a secondary school in Newtown with the Department of Education. However, a library is something the council must progress.
In 2018 a planning application for a major development on the Main Street in Newtown, was lodged to Wicklow County Council, these plans included a library. These plans however never progressed and has never been pursued by the council. Wicklow County Council must prioritise the needs of the rapidly growing population.
The provision of essential infrastructure, such as a new library, is not a luxury but a necessity for the well-being and prosperity of our community. Access to knowledge, learning, and cultural enrichment should be readily available to all right across County Wicklow.
If elected to Wicklow County Council, I pledge to be a tireless advocate for Newtownmountkennedy and its residents. My commitment extends beyond mere rhetoric; I will actively push for the prioritisation of a library in Newtown. The community deserves better than empty promises and bureaucratic inertia.
The establishment of a new library in Newtownmountkennedy is not just about erecting a physical structure; it’s about investing in the future of our village and empowering our residents. It’s about providing a space where people of all ages can gather, learn, and grow together. It’s about fostering a sense of belonging and pride in our community.
I call upon Wicklow County Council to heed the urgent pleas of our residents and prioritise the Newtownmountkennedy library project without further delay. Let us work together to build a stronger, more vibrant community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive and succeed.”