Seán Fleming (Laois, Fianna Fail)
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553. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development the detail of the new strategy that is being prepared to be launched to promote and encourage increased use of libraries; the way it will impact on libraries in County Carlow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17589/18]

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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The new public library strategy for 2018 to 2022,Our Public Libraries 2022: Inspiring, Connecting and Empowering Communities, has been developed by my Department in partnership with local authorities and the Local Government Management Agency.

The Strategy focuses on three thematic programmes - Reading and Literacy Development, Learning and Information, and Community and Culture. These programmes will seek to build on progress under previous strategies and focus on strengthening relationships with local partners to develop public libraries as essential multi-functional facilities accessible to all.

The strategic programmes will be underpinned by six strategy enablers that reflect the service elements to be developed under the Strategy. These include inter alia, new and redeveloped library buildings, improved ICT capacity and continued service and resource development across all city and county library services, including County Carlow Library Service.

The Strategy was approved by Government in April 2018 and I hope to formally launch it in the coming weeks. Specific details of the Strategy will be announced as part of, and following, the launch.