Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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691. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development if there has been progress on a library application (details supplied). [43407/20]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The delivery of public library services, including the provision of library premises, is a matter for each local authority in accordance with the Local Government Act 2001. Accordingly, the delivery of library services in Mahon/Blackrock and the surrounding areas is a matter generally for Cork City Council.

My Department has had some preliminary discussions with Cork City Council regarding a new library for Blackrock-Mahon, but no request for funding has been received to date. The Libraries Capital Programme is currently fully committed; however, should Cork City Council submit a proposal, it will be progressed through the Department’s Four Stage Capital Management process and will be considered for support should additional capital funding become available.

My Department has also advised Cork City Council that it may be possible to apply for funding under the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF), which is administered by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. My Department will support and work with Cork County Council should it chose to submit an application under the URDF.