West Belfast Sinn Féin Sinn Féin -- Building an Ireland of Equals

Adams condemns decision by the Libraries Board

Published: 8 July, 2010

Sinn Féin west Belfast MP Gerry Adams has strongly condemned a decision today by Libraries NI to go ahead with the closure of Andersonstown Library.

Mr Adams and Paul Maskey MLA this morning met the Libraries Board to outline the extent of public opposition in Andersonstown to their plans to close the local Library. The two Sinn Fein representatives, and a local user of the Library, made a very strong case for the retention of library services in Andersonstown.

Speaking this afternoon Mr Adams said: "This decision by the Board is wrong and discriminates against the people of Andersonstown. It is at odds with sensible decisions the Board took in respect of other libraries, most notably Woodstock and Ballyhackamore.

"The people of Andersonstown are entitled to the same equality of service in respect of Library facilities as other areas. "An Equality Impact Assessment (EQIA) carried out as part of the consultation process for the Board highlighted the fact that 'Andersonstown library is unique in that it caters for a wide Irish speaking population'. The EQIA went on to say: 'Libraries NI should acknowledge the need to preserve a high level of support for the Irish speaking community in west Belfast'.

"The Board's decision today means that it is rejecting the recommendation of the EQIA and is turning its back on local Irish language users.

"The Board has also ignored the representations of a wide a range of local community groups, a petition from 2,000 residents and has disregarded the views of the elected representatives of the area.

"I believe that the Board's decision to close the library will attract widespread community opposition, including likely legal action.

"It had the opportunity today to review its earlier decision in light of new information. It has rejected that opportunity."