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

I thank the Deputy for her question. Public libraries have a key role to play in our cities and towns as hubs for information, recreation and inspiration. They provide welcoming spaces for all as well as access to a wide range of online resources and modern technology. While 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, my Department provides support for the development of libraries under the libraries capital programme and under the rural regeneration and development fund, RRDF.

Supporting libraries has been a key priority of mine as Minister. In July last year, I launched an ambitious new five-year strategy, The Library is the Place, which was designed to support and strengthen our public library network. This coincided with the opening of the new Portlaoise library. The new strategy contains 66 separate actions which will ensure our public libraries become multipurpose social and educational spaces for all members of the community to enjoy.

My Department has provided significant capital funding to support public libraries, with €29 million provided to local authorities under the previous libraries capital programme from 2016 to 2022 and a further €33.1 million in the capital envelope for public libraries for the 2023 to 2027 period. In April 2023, my Department invited all local authorities to submit proposals for the development of public library infrastructure, facilities and mobile library vehicles under the libraries capital programme. I can advise the Deputy that Carlow County Council submitted a proposal and the review of it and all other applications received will be completed shortly. I hope to be in a position to announce the successful infrastructure projects very soon.

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