Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire (Cork South Central, Sinn Fein)
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269. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development the status of a project (details supplied); and the estimated date for completion. [3571/19]

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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My Department funds a Libraries Capital Programme that will invest €29m in 19 projects, as well as the My Open Library service, between 2016 and 2022.  The programme was developed on the basis of priority proposals submitted by local authorities in 2015.  Blackrock Mahon Library was not submitted as a priority by Cork City Council at that time and could not be considered for funding under the programme.

The Libraries Capital Programme is currently fully committed.  However, funding for new library projects can be considered as additional funds become available.  Local authorities may also submit library development proposals as elements of broader regeneration proposals under the Urban and Rural Regeneration and Development Funds.  The first call for proposals closed at the end of September 2018, but further calls are expected to issue in 2019.  

That said, the provision of library services, including the provision of library buildings, is primarily a matter for local authorities in their capacity as library authorities under the Local Government Act 2001.  Accordingly, the status of Blackrock Mahon Library is first and foremost a matter for Cork City Council.