Claire Kerrane (Roscommon-Galway, Sinn Fein)
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388. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development the status of works at libraries (details supplied); the timeframe for their reopening; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51861/21]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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In September 2020, my Department approved Small Scale Capital Works Programme funding of €60,000 for Roscommon County Council to support an ambitious and transformative programme of works in Ballaghaderreen Library to include the relocation of the children's area into its own dedicated space and the creation of a new dedicated space for young adults/teenagers.  

In July 2021, my Department also approved funding of €95,250 for Roscommon County Council to install the My Open Library service in Ballaghaderreen Library.

As Ballaghaderreen Library is a listed building and the work under the Small Scale Capital Works Programme includes the removal of a wall,  I understand that it was necessary for the local authority to obtain a Section 57 Declaration under the Planning and Development Act 2000 and that this was granted by Roscommon County Council on 7 December 2020.  Following the approval of additional funding for the installation of the My Open Library service, I understand that the local authority were also required to again engage with the Council's Planning Section regarding the appropriate planning requirements. Roscommon County Council have been informed that a Section 57 Declaration is also required in connection with the works for the My Open Library service. When planning permission is granted, the local authority have advised that they will seek tenders for the appointment of contractors for the overall project.

It is expected that the works, which will comprise both the improvements under the Small Scale Capital Works Programme and the works necessary for the installation of the My Open Library service, will be completed by the second quarter of 2022.

In the meantime, the mobile library continues to provide a service in the town every Wednesday and the local authority will continue to monitor demand throughout the duration of the works.

In September 2020, my Department approved Small Scale Capital Works Programme funding of €40,000 for Roscommon County Council to support the upgrade of windows and flooring in the Strokestown Library.  The plans also include a number of changes to the library layout along with the installation of new shelving and furniture, which will create more usable space in the main library and allow for significant expansion of the children’s library space.

The works on the Strokestown Library are now completed and Roscommon County Council are currently at fit-out stage.  I understand that issues have arisen with the manufacturing and delivery of the shelving and furniture which has resulted in a delay in the completion of the project, but these are now scheduled for delivery in early November 2021. As a result, the  library is scheduled for reopening by the end of November 2021.

Similar to Ballaghaderreen, the mobile library continues to provide a service in Strokestown every second Thursday and the local authority will continue to monitor demand throughout the duration of the works.