Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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1956. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development if there is an application for a library (details supplied) with her Department. [20281/22]

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 the area referred to is primarily a matter for Cork City Council.

My Department has had discussions with Cork City Council regarding a new library in this location, but no application has been received to date. The Libraries Capital Programme administered by my department is currently fully committed. However, should Cork City Council submit an application for funding, it will be considered for support if additional capital funding becomes available. My Department has also 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. This fund was established to support sustainable development through the regeneration and rejuvenation of Ireland's five cities and other large towns.

In the event that the City Council submits an application for funding under the URDF, they have been informed of the requirement to simultaneously consult with my department and the Local Government Management Agency, prior to the development of plans for a new public library in this location.  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.