Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The savings on the Supplementary Estimate relate to slower than anticipated progress on one major library project in Swords, as well as delays in some minor projects, including the completion of some My Open Library projects. In terms of the capital for libraries, there is a libraries fund but a lot of capital comes from the rural regeneration fund because, in many places across the country we are repurposing old buildings. The libraries really are a wonderful asset in every community. They are a hub, a centre for activity, and it is not just about books any more as it is about a whole plethora of things. I attended the opening of the library in Kilkenny and what is going on there is amazing. There are classes for different skill sets and I even saw sewing classes in the library. There is a fabulous, big room upstairs and many different things are happening. I believe the libraries are continuing to grow in the important role they play in our communities and are a resource for so many.

Under the rural regeneration fund we have been able to invest somewhere in the region of €98 million - almost €100 million - in libraries and that is on top of the other, smaller, library fund. We tie them in together and it works well. A few libraries are waiting and I know there is one down in Cork because I keep getting asked about it. There are a few more that need to be completed but I have no doubt but they will be done. They are in the pipeline and work is under way. The funding has not been approved for them but to get to that stage, we work closely with the local authorities and in some cases, the local authorities make contributions toward the library buildings as well. I am very much of the opinion, however, that we must support our library services right across the country.

The spend on mobile libraries next year has been approved. It will be the usual procurement process. There has been a great deal of investment in libraries, and we need to continue investing in them. I support that initiative.