Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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228. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development the extent of library support provisions he expects to be in a position to make throughout the country in 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26178/18]

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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The management and operation of the public libraries, including funding of library services, is primarily a matter for each local authority in its capacity as a library authority under the Local Government Act 2001. Some €150m is expected to be invested by local authorities in library services in 2018.

My Department funds a Libraries Capital Investment Programme, announced in 2016, that will invest some €23m in 17 or so projects, as well as the My Open Library service, over the period 2016 to 2021. Funding of €2.75m is available under the programme this year.

My Department also provides funding to help local authorities meet certain costs associated with libraries, including the cost of a small number of leased premises.Approximately €1m will be provided for this purpose in 2018.