This will be a fantastic addition to the town.

Work has commenced on Kinsale’s new state-of-the-art library, a €3.7m project that will see the three-storey James O’Neill Building in Church Square converted into a modern venue for locals to enjoy.

The building, known as the Old Mill, dates back to the late 19th Century and will be transformed into a multi-purpose space with a wide variety of opportunities for community and cultural use. When finished, it will be 11 times the size of the existing library located in the Methodist Hall.

The development, designed by Cork County Council, will offer a ground floor entrance space and attached gallery exhibition area, a mezzanine area, a children’s area, an adult and study area, and a dedicated digital facilities suite.

The book stock available to borrow from Kinsale Library will increase fivefold, from approximately 5,000 items to 25,000 in the new space. The My Open Library service will also be introduced, extending the self-service opening hours from 8am to 10pm, 365 days a year.

“I’m particularly delighted to see a sensory space included in the plans for the new library,” said Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Gillian Coughlan.

“Inclusivity is one of the cornerstones of Cork County Council ethos and this project is another example of this.”

Chief Executive of Cork County Council Tim Lucey said Church Square is the perfect spot for the project: “It is an ideal location; it is highly accessible, in close proximity to existing housing for older people, and it has adjacent car parking.” he said.

“The significantly larger ground floor also affords our Library & Arts Service the scope to develop an enhanced and exciting service for the local community.”