Independent Councillor Patrick Clarke has voiced his concern regarding the delay in the scheduled restoration works which were due to take place towards the end of the summer to the 251-year old Market House which houses Castlewellan Library.
Councillor Clarke has held further discussions with the Chief Executive of Libraries NI Irene Knox and has learned that further detailed survey work will be carried out in relation to a possible wet rot infestation.
He said: “Following my inquiries over the progress of plans to fully restore the Market House which houses Castlewellan Library, I have now been advised that as part of the process of developing the procurement specification Libraries NI have now undertaken a range of further exploratory works to establish the full extent of the defects impacting on the Castlewellan Market House Library property.
“Recent investigations have led Libraries NI to believe that the extent of damage from damp penetration may be more extensive than Libraries NI officials had first thought and so as to ensure Libraries NI are dully addressing all the issues officials are currently undertaking further detailed survey work, particularly in relation to a possible wet rot infestation.
“I have been further advised that the impact of this additional investigations is that the procurement process has been further delayed somewhat and Libraries NI now plan to issue tender documentation at the end of November 2015 with a view to commencing remedial works early in 2016.
“Whilst I welcome that exploratory works have now been conducted to establish the full extent of the defects impacting on the Castlewellan Market House Library property and Libraries NI are currently undertaking further detailed survey work, particularly in relation to a possible wet rot infestation I am somewhat a little concerned about the further delays.
“Given the restoration works which will be quite specialist, I look forward to seeing work hopefully starting in early 2016.
“The Chief Executive of Libraries NI Irene Knox remains confident and assures me that Castlewellan Library continues to be the top priority in Libraries NI planned maintenance programme for 2015/16.”
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