Mark Wall (Kildare South, Labour)

I did not come in on Deputy McGreehan's question because I wanted to leave it until this one. I totally believe it is important to have multipurpose facilities. I want to raise an issue that has come up in respect of a couple of locations. We have derelict buildings, old former schools in rural areas. A number of people have come together to form book clubs and heritage and historical societies in those buildings. The query I have relates to that multipurpose function whereby a library or a history club can be developed and make use of that community building. Will the Minister support that? Can we see funding for it? It is a very good use of buildings. We have spoken previously about the major libraries in major towns and the amount of very welcome investment going in there. However, rural communities want to take over buildings, some of which are derelict, and form book clubs or heritage and historical societies. It is a great use of the building and a great fit for the library service as well to link in with those community buildings.

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