Claire Kerrane (Roscommon-Galway, Sinn Fein)
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2018. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development further to Parliamentary Question No. 785 of 17 May 2022, the reason that works cannot commence at a location (details supplied) until the final quarter of 2022; the estimated duration of the work of the conservation expert; if works will be brought forward and fast-tracked given the closure of a vital service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30324/22]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The provision of library services, including the provision of library buildings, is primarily a matter for local authorities in their capacity as library authorities under the Local Government Act 2001.  Accordingly, progress on the works in Ballaghaderreen Library, and the timeline for completing the project are, first and foremost, a matter for Roscommon County Council.  

Since my reply to Parliamentary Question 785, I have been advised that Roscommon County Council have conducted a further technical assessment of the works that are to be carried out in Ballaghaderreen Library. The local authority has been advised by their engineer that as the majority of the works are of a mechanical and electrical nature, it would be more efficient and practical for a mechanical and electrical consultant to be appointed to the project. Once appointed, this consultant will lead a multidisciplinary team to include a conservation expert, and will then prepare a scope of works for the project. This will be used to progress the appointment of a contractor to carry out the works. Roscommon County Council have advised my Department that  they have published a tender on 13 June 2022 seeking the services of a mechanical and electrical consultant with a closing date for receipt of submissions of 27 June 2022. The conservation expert will be in place from the outset to the completion of the project.  

Roscommon County Council acknowledges that Ballaghaderreen Library provides a vital service to the community, but the local authority is obliged to follow procurement guidelines and planning regulations. Accordingly, it is not possible for works to be brought forward or fast-tracked. However, while the local authority has advised that works will commence in Q4 2022, they are fully dedicated to the project and will initiate works sooner if at all possible.

In the meantime, Roscommon County Council has advised that the mobile library continues to provide a service in the town every Thursday and the local authority will continue to monitor demand throughout the duration of the works.