Thomas Gould (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
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265. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development if funding is available for community libraries; and if Cork City Council has applied for this for Blackpool library. [18464/22]

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 Blackpool is primarily a matter for Cork City Council.

My department funds a Libraries Capital Programme that is investing €29m in 17 projects, as well as the My Open Libraryservice and a Small Scale Capital Works programme, between 2016 and 2022.

Cork City Council has not submitted a request for Libraries Capital Programme funding to my department. However, as the Libraries Capital Programme is currently fully committed, should Cork City Council submit a request for funding, it will only be considered for support if additional capital funding becomes available.

Local authorities may also submit library development projects as elements of broader regeneration proposals under the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund which is administered by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. This funding was established to support sustainable development, through the regeneration and rejuvenation of Ireland's five cities and other large towns.

Cork City Council is required to consult with my department and the Local Government Management Agency prior to the development of plans for a new public library in Blackpool. They will then be requested to submit a proposal to my department for technical assessment to ensure that the project complies with the 'Public Library National Standards and Benchmarks' which guides the development of the public library service.