Gerald Nash (Louth, Labour)
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391. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development the total State funding allocated to the new Bettystown library development in County Meath to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4904/24]

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 Bettystown is primarily a matter for Meath County Council.

I understand that Bettystown Library is a seafront building which will also house a lifeguard station and various facilities for beachgoers and the project has been a long-term objective of the local authority. Meath County Council submitted an application to my Department for Libraries Capital Programme funding in 2016 which was unsuccessful at that time. It subsequently submitted an application to the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage for Urban Regeneration and Development Funding in 2020, but I understand that this application was also unsuccessful.

However, Meath County Council remained fully committed to progressing this project and, following a successful tender competition in December 2021, I am advised that work on Bettystown Library, including lifeguard station and facilities for beachgoers, commenced in July 2022. The total cost of the project is estimated at €6.1m and I understand that this is being fully funded by Meath County Council.