No timeframe has yet been set for the construction of Enniskillen's long-awaited new library, it has emerged.
Plans were first lodged last year to demolish the existing building on Halls Lane and replace it with a brand-new state-of-the art library.
Construction of the new £470,000 building was set to commence in mid-2022 and due to be completed by December 2023.
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Now it has emerged that a timeframe has not yet been set for construction due to rising costs in materials and economic uncertainties.
Fermanagh and South Tyrone Sinn Fein MLA Jemma Dolan has been campaigning for the new library building for Enniskillen in recent years.
In a letter, the Department for Communities (DfC) has confirmed that while Libraries NI, supported by the Department, have been able to develop the project to pre-tender stage, the current economic climate continues to present challenges in securing the remainder of the project funding.
A DfC spokesperson added: "Libraries NI and the Department continue to work to resolve these issues.
"Until such times as these difficulties are resolved I am unable to provide with any certainty an accurate estimate of when construction of the replacement library will now commence."
Ms Dolan said Fermanagh book lovers have been waiting on a new library for Enniskillen a long time.
"The development of the Enniskillen Library is an important project for Enniskillen and one which will benefit the local community," she said.
"I welcome the fact that last year the Department for Communities allocated £150,000 of capital funding in 2020/21 to enable Libraries NI to procure and appoint a design team to take forward development and procurement activities.
"Although a timeframe has not yet been set for construction due to rising costs in materials and the uncertainties in our economy, I remain confident that the Department is committed to deliver this project and I will work proactively with them to ensure this happens."
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