Pádraig O'Sullivan (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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2035. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development the status of the upgrade to Mayfield Library, Cork; when it is likely to be completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [62956/21]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The delivery of public library services, including the provision and upgrade 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 Mayfield is primarily a matter for Cork City Council. 

My Department has had ongoing discussions with Cork City Council regarding a new library for Mayfield and an application for funding was received in April 2019. However, as my Department's Libraries Capital Programme was fully committed, the City Council were advised to submit an application through the Department’s Four Stage Capital Management Process. This will ensure that the project complies with the Public Library National Standards and Benchmarks which guides the development of the public library service.  

A Stage 1 Approval-in-Principle in respect of the Standards and Benchmarks for public libraries issued to Cork City Council on 22 July 2019.  Cork City Council submitted a Stage 2 application on 9 December 2021, which is currently undergoing technical assessment.  

My Department has also advised Cork City Council to consider submitting an application for funding for Mayfield Library to the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF), which is administered by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. 

We look forward to continuing our engagement with Cork City Council as this project is progressed.