Tony McLoughlin (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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595. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development if funding will be made available to build new libraries at Mohill and Carrick-on-Shannon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43779/18]

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Our Department funds a Libraries Capital Programme that will invest €29m in 19 projects, as well as the My Open Library service, between 2016 and 2022.  While the programme is currently fully committed, funding for new library projects will be considered as additional funds become available.

In the meantime, Leitrim County Council might consider submitting applications for Mohill and Carrick-on-Shannon libraries as elements of broader regeneration proposals under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund.  The fund supports coordinated and integrated projects that seek to revitalise rural Ireland and make a significant and sustainable impact on rural communities.  Some €315m is available under the fund between 2019 and 2022.  The first call for proposals closed at the end of September, but a further call is expected to issue in 2019.

The provision of library services, including the provision of library buildings, is primarily a matter for local authorities in their capacity as library authorities under the Local Government Act 2001.