A PLANNING application has now been lodged for a new state-of-the-art Enniskillen library.

The old library building will be demolished, and a brand-new build will take its place, with the construction of the building set to commence in mid-2022, and due to be completed by December, 2023.

Sinn Fein MLA Jemma Dolan, who campaigned for the build since being elected to the Assembly, has welcomed the movement on the proposal.

A self-confessed book lover, Jemma said: “The people of Enniskillen have been waiting for a new library for a long time.

"The news of a planning application being lodged takes this project one step closer and it is most welcome.”

Jemma stressed that she has “been in constant touch with the Department of Communities on this”, and added: "The Department allocated £150,000 of capital funding in 2020/21 to enable Libraries NI to procure and appoint a design team to take forward development and procurement activities and to progress the design for the project.

"A further £225,000 has been made available in this financial year to support completion of this phase of work, and to bring the project to pre-tender stage by early 2022.”

The MLA for Fermanagh South Tyrone went on to talk about the treasure trove of important documents that are based at the Enniskillen Library, saying; "A number of concerned constituents have contacted me about the historic documents that are kept at the library.

“We do not want these important pieces to be lost or damaged during this process, and we must ensure they are retained and brought back to the new Enniskillen Library when it is completed. They are part of our local heritage and must be protected.”

She promised that she will continue to work with the library management and Libraries NI to ensure that nothing will be lost.