Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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554. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development if there is an application for a library (details supplied) with her Department. [29541/21]

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 primarily a matter for Cork City Council.

My Department has had discussions with Cork City Council regarding a new library for Blackrock-Mahon, but no request for funding has been received to date. However, as my Department's Libraries Capital Programme is currently fully committed, should Cork City Council submit an application for funding, it will be considered for support if additional capital funding becomes available. Consequently, my Department has advised the City Council to consider submitting an application for funding for this library to the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF), which is administered by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. 

In the event that the City Council submits an application for funding under the URDF, they have also been informed of the requirement to simultaneously submit their application to my Department for technical assessment of the proposed new library, where it will be progressed through the Four Stage Capital Management Process. This is to ensure that the Standards and Benchmarks for public libraries are being adhered to and is the practice for all new public library projects, including those being funded by URDF. I am aware that Cork City Council are currently working towards submitting a Stage 1 application and my Department will support the City Council and work with them to progress this project.