The long-planned redevelopment of the National Library of Ireland's historic West Wing on Kildare Street in Dublin has reached a major milestone after Minister for Culture Patrick O'Donovan approved its progression to the tender stage.

The project will open the prominent Victorian-era wing to the public for the first time since the library opened in 1890. The West Wing, which directly faces Kildare Street, was historically used to store the institution's published book collections before 350,000 items were relocated to a new, dedicated repository as part of the initial phase of the redevelopment programme.

Under the redeveloped layout, the West Wing will feature an enclosed, sound-proofed, glass-fronted visitor gallery overlooking the library's iconic main reading room. The multi-storey space will also incorporate new exhibition areas to display national collections, a learning hub for workshops and cultural events, expanded reading and study areas, a gift shop, and a café.

Minister Patrick O'Donovan stated that the project will restore the historic heritage building while turning it into an accessible space for lifelong learners, researchers, and visitors. Being delivered jointly by the Office of Public Works and the National Library of Ireland, Minister of State with responsibility for the OPW Kevin 'Boxer' Moran highlighted the tender approval as a key step in securing the future of the national cultural institution.