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

Our public libraries are at the heart of our communities. They are multipurpose social, cultural and educational spaces for the whole community to enjoy. There are 330 public libraries providing an excellent service throughout the country. My Department has provided significant capital funding to support public libraries with funding of €29 million being provided to local authorities under the previous libraries capital programme 2016-2022.

One of the key strategic actions of the new public library strategy, The Library is the Place, which I launched in July last year, is the development of a new libraries capital programme, which will align with the strategy. There is a further €33.1 million in the capital envelope for public libraries for the 2023-2027 period. The capital programme will cofund investment by local authorities in new library buildings, refurbishments, extensions and building acquisitions.

Last year, my Department invited all local authorities to submit applications for the new library capital programme. An assessment of the proposals received is nearing completion and I hope to be in a position to announce the successful infrastructure projects shortly.

My Department is also investing significantly in the development of libraries through the rural regeneration and development fund which has provided over €57 million to develop and deliver libraries across rural Ireland. I was delighted to announce the fifth call for category 1 applications to the rural regeneration and development fund in 2023. This call is for large scale projects that will help revitalise our rural towns and villages, including libraries. The closing date for applications is 8 February 2024.

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