Seán Connick (Wexford, Fianna Fail)

I thank the Senator for raising this matter. I understand Donegal County Council has been in regular contact with the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government on this matter. Donegal County Council operated a small public library in Gaoth Dobhair until it sustained extensive flooding on 23 June 2009. The library was housed in the old chapel in Derrybeg which is owned by the local parish. The council had, prior to the flood, entered into discussions with Údarás na Gaeltachta in regard to the provision of a library as a part of the Aislann Ghaoth Dobhair development at Páirc Ghnó Ghaoth Dobhair.

Donegal County Council had not placed Gaoth Dobhair on its priority list for funding which was submitted in 2008. Its priorities were Donegal town, the administrative centre, Ballybofey-Stranorlar and the central library enhancement, Donegal. Unfortunately, it was not possible to allocate funds to Donegal County Council for the Donegal town project under the 2009-10 capital programme owing to the high level of competing demands on the capital funds available. Notably, however, Leabharlann Phobail Ghaoth Dobhair did not feature in Donegal County Council's stated library development priorities for future consideration by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.

I understand the council, in correspondence to the Department, has indicated that the opportunity now exists to develop a state-of-the-art facility which will serve as a resource for Gaoth Dobhair and the broader west Donegal Gaeltacht region. It is intended that the ground floor will incorporate a public library, exhibition space and a children's area with preschool, after-school, family and language supports and other facilities. The second floor will house five to ten business innovation units and the third floor will be available as office accommodation. Part of the attraction of the building to the library service is that most of the children in the parish will use it along with their parents and carers. There is a new outdoor playground just opposite.

Branching Out - Future Directions, the policy document that sets out a redefined vision for the public library service, was launched in 2008. One of its main recommendations was for a multi-annual capital programme for public libraries. On foot of this, approval for a two-year capital programme for public libraries from 2009 to 2010 was given in April 2009. I understand the Department hopes to be in a position to announce a new public library capital programme for 2010 and 2011 soon.

Based on the Department's present budget allocations, it is hoped that approximately €9 million will be available to fund library capital projects throughout the country. While I understand the council has not indicated any change to its list of priorities for the capital programme, assistance to Donegal County Council towards capital expenditure on Gaoth Dobhair library is under consideration as part of that programme. The Department must consider any funding provision for Gaoth Dobhair on the basis of the existing allocation rather than on the basis of there being additional or exceptional funding available.