Following representations to the Minister for Culture Arts and Leisure regarding the proposed closure of Ballynahinch Library I am disappointed at the Minister’s failure to engage in the debate or acknowledge the very serious implications for local jobs, services and the local studies and history section, if Ballynahinch Library HQ is closed.

In his response to me the Minister, Nelson McCausland simply outlined the ongoing consultation exercise and that the closure would be a money saving exercise.

I find it unacceptable that a Minister with responsibility for culture and the arts would not have an input or opinion on the closure of this vital service and the resulting devastating impact it would have on the local community.  

The loss of the library service to the community of Ballynhainch is unacceptable and as a community provision I will be fighting for its retention. There is also the important issue of the need to retain the local studies collection, which I understand under the closure proposals, would be broken up and go to two different locations.

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I will be continuing to lobby the Department of Culture Arts and Leisure on this matter and I would ask everyone with an interest in Balkynhaicnh Library HQ to make their views known in the coming weeks as part of the consultation.

Ends.