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

I thank the Deputy for raising this matter.

There are 330 public libraries providing an excellent service throughout the country. On the provision of new libraries, my Department has provided significant capital funding to support local authorities, with funding of €29 million provided under the previous libraries capital programme for the period 2016 to 2022 for 17 projects, of which 12 were new library buildings.

One of the key strategic actions of the new public library strategy, The Library is the Place, is the development of a new libraries capital programme, which will align with the strategy for the period 2023 to 2027. This programme will co-fund investment by local authorities in new library buildings, refurbishments, extensions and building acquisitions. In general, the Department's funding will not exceed €3 million, or 50%, whichever is lower, and only library projects with a total value of more than €500,000 will be considered.

In April 2023, my Department invited all local authorities to submit applications under the new libraries capital programme for the period 2023 to 2027. Applications were received for 33 capital projects, ten of which are for new buildings. My Department is currently reviewing the applications, and those considered eligible in principle for funding have recently been forwarded to the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage for technical assessment.

I hope to be in a position to announce successful infrastructure projects before the end of the year.

My Department is also investing significantly in the development of libraries through the rural regeneration and development fund, RRDF. Funding of more than €57 million has been provided to develop and deliver libraries across rural areas.

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