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

I thank Deputy O'Dowd for raising this matter. The Department is responsible for policy on public libraries. 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 development of a new public library in Dunleer is, first and foremost, a matter for Louth County Council. I understand that Louth County Council has been exploring options for the improvement of library services in Dunleer as a result of increased usage and membership. However, no specific proposals in this regard have been received by the Department from the council.

All buildings used for the provision of public library services are required to comply with the requirements of the Department's public library standards and benchmarks, including the requirement that the minimum size for a new branch serving a population of 3,000 within the catchment area should be at least 500 sq. m, and that new public library branches should be centrally and prominently located and offer a multifunctional meeting, event and study space. All proposals for new public libraries are also required to be progressed through the Department's four-stage capital management process.

My Department is working with the Local Government Management Agency's library and development unit to finalise a new strategy for the development of our public libraries. It is also planned to launch a new libraries capital plan next year. In that context, my Department looks forward to engaging with Louth County Council on this.

The Deputy will, of course, be delighted because this is a matter he has raised with me on several occasions. One of the buildings announced yesterday was an old bank building in Dunleer, which my Department provided funding for the local authority to purchase. I do not see any reason why that would not be a perfect building in due course. It may require extra work and probably needs to be made bigger but I am sure the Deputy will be talking to Louth County Council about that.

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