James O'Connor (Cork East, Fianna Fail)
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2770. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will outline the monies spent, and the works carried out to date, on the Youghal Library project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46976/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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The Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF) is a strategic capital investment fund that is key to the delivery of Ireland's rural development policy, Our Rural Future 2021-2025. The RRDF provides funding for the development and construction of capital projects in towns and villages and rural areas across Ireland. Funding is allocated to local authorities and other State-funded bodies, who take the lead role in individual projects.

Cork County Council is the lead partner for the Youghal Public Library project and is responsible for managing the works schedule. This project was awarded funding of c. €4.05m under the third Call for Category 1 proposals to the RRDF in 2021. Planned works will see the renovation and extension of derelict buildings and a site on Youghal's North Main Street to provide a new library and revitalised streetscape.

The Council has advised my officials that completion of phase 1 works, enabling and demolition respectively, are now complete at a cost of c.€780,000 and that this represents the total spend on this project to date. The Council advises that, in parallel, its Architectural Department is reviewing potential design options for the library together with cost estimates.