Barry Cowen (Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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15. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government his proposals for amalgamating local library services across the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18557/16]

Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael)
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Proposals to introduce changes to the library management model are outlined in the report Managing the Delivery of Effective Library Services. The proposed operating model seeks to put in place planning and implementation arrangements that will deliver more effective and efficient public libraries with a view to securing the delivery of an enhanced quality and range of services. This will ensure the long-term sustainability of the library service in Ireland.

The key challenge in the present structure is the need for the creation of scale for existing library authorities, in particular in the smaller counties. In order to achieve this, it was determined that a new operating model for library authorities should be established, with a minimum population target of 100,000 as an appropriate basis for determining a revised libraries’ structure.

The proposed model does not involve the closure of libraries nor will it require the reduction of the library services available in those areas; in fact, the model seeks to enhance the services that are available. It will secure a stronger senior management structure and increase capacity across the relevant library authorities to focus on frontline services and opportunities for enhanced individual and community support services and engagement. Discussions have commenced with the relevant local authorities with a view to exploring how the proposals might best be implemented and all options will be considered as part of these discussions.