Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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202. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development if Meath County Council will be assisted in its efforts to acquire a location (details supplied) for community use as a public library; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15516/19]

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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The provision of premises and facilities in the public library service, including the acquisition of property, is primarily a matter for local authorities in their capacity as library authorities under the Local Government Act 2001.  Accordingly, the acquisition of property for a new library in Bettystown is first and foremost a matter for Meath County Council, and it would be inappropriate for my Department to engage with any prospective vendor or financial institution.  

My Department funds a Libraries Capital Programme that will invest some €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 is considered as additional funds become available. Moreover, applications are accepted on an ongoing basis through the Department's Four Stage Capital Works Management process.  To date, no application has been received from Meath County Council in respect of a library development in Bettystown.

Meath County Council may also submit library development proposals as elements of broader regeneration proposals under the Rural and Urban Regeneration and Development Funds.  The first call for proposals for these funds closed at the end of September and further calls are expected to issue in April 2019.