Seán Fleming (Laois, Fianna Fail)
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258. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development the funding available for a project (details supplied); the funding provided to the end of 2017; the funding available in 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20348/18]

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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The provision of premises and facilities in the public library service is generally a matter for each local authority in its capacity as a library authority under the Local Government Act 2001. Accordingly, the development of the new library in Portlaoise is primarily a matter for Laois County Council.

That said, my Department funds a Libraries Capital Investment Programme that will invest some €22m in 16 or so projects over the period 2016 to 2021. Some €1.65m has been allocated to Portlaoise Library under the capital programme.

Funding is provided for library projects on the basis of works completed and claims submitted by the relevant local authority. Work on Portlaoise Library is at an early stage. The project is currently progressing through the Department's Four-Stage Capital Works Approval Process and no funding has been drawn down by Laois County Council to date.

An indicative allocation of €200,000 is available to meet the cost of initial works on the project in 2018. I expect the remainder to be drawn down by Laois County Council in 2019 and 2020 as the project progresses.