Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)

As far as I understand it, the €35 million capital programme in the county council would be approved by the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government rather than me, unless it relates in particular to tourism. From the information we have the council is proposing to build its own library headquarters in Moran Park, which is adjacent to the Royal Marine Hotel. That is the council proposal and the port has not been asked to provide the office block as a library. If the council were to approach the board of the port or me, we could give full consideration to the matter.

Ultimately, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council is responsible for providing the library and it is up to its democratically elected councillors to decide where they want it to be located. If they want to approach the port company through me, I would be happy to arrange a discussion. The council has its own plans for the library.

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