Joe Cooney (Clare, Fine Gael)
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972. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the number and location of Clare library branches actively engaged with the My Open Library initiative; to outline all Clare library branches approved for funding to proceed with the initiative to date; to provide details on applications for funding from Clare County Library since the commencement of the Government scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34420/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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The provision of library services is primarily a matter for local authorities in their capacity as library authorities under the Local Government Act 2001. Notwithstanding this, investing in our library service is a key priority for me as Minister. Our Public Library Strategy 'The Library is the Place' recognises that public libraries are at the heart of our communities and my Department provides a wide range of funding to support the library service.

In 2016, my Department allocated funding of €67,408 to Clare County Council to support the provision of the My Open Library service in the De Valera Library, Ennis, which was constructed in 1975. I am advised by the Council that the technology and building works required were subsequently completed. In advance of launching the My Open Library service, the Council identified operational challenges related to the age of the building and subsequently, in light of an assessment of emerging needs, the branch was deemed to be end-of-life. The Council progressed plans to construct a new library beside the glór theatre, which resulted in a delay in launching the service.

The new De Valera library in Ennis, which was allocated almost €4m under my Department's Libraries Capital Programme 2016-2022, officially opened on 15th November 2024. As is standard practice, the new library is currently in a “defects and warranty” period, which allows for the resolution of any emerging issues. Once these issues have been satisfactorily addressed, the Council anticipates that the My Open Library service will be piloted in Q1 2026.

My Department has not received any further applications for My Open Library funding for any other library branches in County Clare. Furthermore, I am advised that there are currently no My Open Library services in operation in the county.

The Government has supported the My Open Library service with investment of over €6.1million since it was introduced on a pilot basis in 2014. The service is currently available in 55 library branches nationwide.