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08/12/2004
Local politicians hit out at library closure plan
Local politicians have reacted angrily to the news that nearly a third of all libraries in Belfast may be closed by the education board to save money.
The board said next year's budget from the Department of Culture fell short of its needs by £1.3 million and that a decision on the cuts will be taken at a full meeting of the board next month.
The libraries earmarked for closure are Ballygomartin, Ballymacarrat, Ligoniel, Old Park, Sandy Row and Whitewell.
Former culture, arts and leisure minister Michael McGimpsey said there was no justification for the closures. Speaking on BBC Radio Ulster on Wednesday, the South Belfast MLA said: "These libraries are located in the most disadvantaged areas of Belfast. I believe those areas are being targeted purely for the publicity effect, and there's no justification for it."
Sinn Féin South Belfast MLA Alex Maskey described the proposed closures as “social vandalism”.
“If we look at the proposed closures it is clear that they are distributed in poor communities that have a track record of low educational attainment,” the former Lord Mayor said. “This is nothing short of educational and social vandalism.”
Board chairperson Hilary Sloan said the public would be consulted but that cost cutting was necessary.
(MB)
The board said next year's budget from the Department of Culture fell short of its needs by £1.3 million and that a decision on the cuts will be taken at a full meeting of the board next month.
The libraries earmarked for closure are Ballygomartin, Ballymacarrat, Ligoniel, Old Park, Sandy Row and Whitewell.
Former culture, arts and leisure minister Michael McGimpsey said there was no justification for the closures. Speaking on BBC Radio Ulster on Wednesday, the South Belfast MLA said: "These libraries are located in the most disadvantaged areas of Belfast. I believe those areas are being targeted purely for the publicity effect, and there's no justification for it."
Sinn Féin South Belfast MLA Alex Maskey described the proposed closures as “social vandalism”.
“If we look at the proposed closures it is clear that they are distributed in poor communities that have a track record of low educational attainment,” the former Lord Mayor said. “This is nothing short of educational and social vandalism.”
Board chairperson Hilary Sloan said the public would be consulted but that cost cutting was necessary.
(MB)
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