Thomas Gould (Cork North-Central, Sinn Fein)
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1169. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the funding provided for the afterhours library service in each of the past five years; if the system is operated centrally; and if he is aware of issues with the system. [61702/25]

Jerry Buttimer (Cork South-Central, Fine Gael)
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The provision of library services, including the My Open Library service, is primarily the responsibility of local authorities in their capacity as library authorities under the Local Government Act 2001.

My Department issued an Open Call for proposals for My Open Library in 2016, 2019 and most recently in 2022 to each of the 31 Local Authorities. €3,522,686.20 in funding has been allocated to the My Open Library initiative in the past 5 years.

Additionally, the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF) has provided significant support for new library buildings, with funding for My Open Library technology included in these projects. For example, over €28 million was approved in 2024 for new libraries in Ballyhaunis, Kingscourt, and Edenderry, ensuring that next generation My Open Library technology is incorporated into new and upgraded library infrastructure.

The My Open Library system is managed independently by each local authority. Any temporary, technical or infrastructural issues identified are managed locally by the relevant library authority, in line with their established procedures.

The My Open library service is a key part of the National Public Library Strategy: The Library is the Place 2023-2027, which aims to improve access and inclusion. The My Open Library service is now available in 57 branches nationwide, strengthening community engagement, offering numerous benefits, primarily centred around accessibility, convenience, and a vast range of resources for all users.