Arklow to be Hit in Government Planned Cuts to Libraries.

Speaking after it was revealed that the government intend to promote “Staffless Libraries” across the State, Sinn Fein spokesperson on Social Protection and TD for Wicklow/East Carlow John Brady has slammed the move as a despicable cost saving measure:

“It appears from recent reports that the government are pushing forward plans to introduce ‘Staffless Libraries’ across the State with Arklow Library in the firing line. The measure is being promoted as a way of increasing opening hours to benefit the public but in truth it is clearly a despicable plot to create an avenue where Library services and staff can be cut as a cost saving measure.”

“These plans will have an obvious negative affect; Library users in Arklow and across the country will not have the benefit of trained staff on site, nor will it be possible for those premises to conduct cultural, educational or community events.”

Teachta Brady said that where Arklow is concerned, this measure has sneakily come from nowhere:

“This issue has not been discussed in the council chamber. Councillors of all parties and none have had no opportunity to examine the detail of the proposals. More pointedly, the councillors that represent Arklow Municipal District have had no knowledge or no say on the plans for Arklow Library; which is situated only a few yards from council offices. Already in Kilkenny, Library staff have convened an urgent meeting with union representatives to consider industrial action to protect their jobs and protect the important services Libraries offer to the community.”

In conclusion Teachta Brady said that it appears the government are hell bent on picking fights with public service personnel:

“The government are bouncing from one industrial dispute to the next in their efforts to squeeze what they can out of hard pressed public employees. This ludicrous attack on Libraries represent a new desperate low on the part of the government. I along with my Sinn Fein colleagues will fight the government every step of the way in support of Library staff and service users.”