Pat Deering (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

352. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government the status of the proposed merger regarding published proposals to amalgamate the library services of Carlow and Kilkenny, proposals which have been promoted and supported by the Local Government Management Agency; the local libraries which were visited during the proposal process with a view to receiving local based input and feedback on the proposals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22384/16]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

My Department is in discussions with the Local Government Management Agency and local authority Chief Executives regarding the introduction of a new library management model, as outlined in Managing the Delivery of Effective Library Services. The areas being considered for the new approach include Carlow and Kilkenny among others.

The proposed operating model seeks to put planning and implementation arrangements in place that will deliver more effective and efficient public libraries, thus securing an enhanced quality and range of services and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the library service in the local authority areas concerned. The library services of the respective local authorities will not be merged. The provision of library services will remain a core function of each library authority. The role of each authority and their respective elected members will be safeguarded and local authorities will still be responsible for the policies, priorities and budgets for their library services. Most importantly, there will be no closure of libraries nor a reduction in the library services available in those areas as a result of the proposed model.

As the proposed model focuses on strengthening the senior management structure and increasing strategic capacity across the smaller library authorities, local library branches were not visited as part of the development process. There was extensive consultation, however, with the local authorities concerned. Indeed, local authorities were involved developing the new model, with working groups established for this purpose comprising, among others, City and County Librarians, local authority Directors of Service and Chief Executives.