Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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320. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development the status of the provision of a new library for Edgeworthstown; if the original funding commitment will be increased in view of the publication of the national library plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29484/18]

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 Edgeworthstown is primarily a matter for Longford County Council. 

My Department provides funding under the Libraries Capital Investment Programme and will invest some €23m in 17 or so projects over the period 2016 to 2021. Some €1.25m has been allocated to Edgeworthstown Library under the programme and the project is currently progressing through the Department's Four Stage Approval Process. 

While the libraries capital programme is fully committed at this time, the allocation for Edgeworthstown Library will be kept under review and may be reconsidered in the context of the final costings that emerge pursuant to the tender process, subject to the overall availability of funding within my Department's capital allocation.