The service has been shut over the past number of years due to the need for significant restoration works at Dillon House in the town.

It was announced earlier in the year that the library will not reopen until late 2024 with a temporary library to be opened until the works have been finished.

The Library at Dillon house will open in the third quarter of next year but locals have stressed that the process has taken too long.

The Department of Rural and Community Development has allocated €5.6 million whilst €1.4 million has been allocated from the Council's own resources.

It's thought the final works on the listed building will take up to 32 weeks to complete.

A temporary library is to be opened in the town as the original library has now been closed for a number of years for essential works.

Councillor Louise Heavin says the protest does not represent the views of the people of Athlone:

The local library has been closed since 2020.