Louis O'Hara (Galway East, Sinn Fein)
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1948. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development if funding will be provided for a new library in Athenry, County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11029/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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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, the delivery of a new library in Athenry is primarily a matter for Galway County Council.

In April 2023, my Department invited all Local Authorities to submit proposals for the development of public library infrastructure, facilities and mobile library vehicles under the Libraries Capital Programme 2023-2027. I am advised that Galway County Council submitted a proposal for funding to redevelop the site of the existing library building in Athenry to provide a new purpose-built community library. However, following a thorough evaluation and assessment process of all applications received, the proposal for Athenry was not successful in being approved for funding.

I am informed that the Athenry Library project has been approved for inclusion on a waitlist, should further funding become available during the lifetime of the Libraries Capital Programme 2023-2027.