asked the Minister for Local Government if he will state the reason for the delay in replying to the request of the Kerry County Council sent to him on the 15th June last for permission to take over Listowel library and if he is aware that as a result of his not replying to the council's request the library has had to close recently, thereby depriving Listowel and North Kerry of a much appreciated amenity; and, if so, if hewill now allow the council to acquire the library without further delay.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Listowel Library.
The library referred to by the Deputy was run by the Carnegie Trust and the proposal submitted to me in June last was that it should be taken over by the county council, subject to certain conditions, which included the transfer of the library staff to the employment of the county council. Examination of these conditions involved, among other things, discussions with the local authority. All of the matters arising out of the proposal have not yet been cleared up, but a letter was issued recently to the county council approving of the proposal generally, subject to consideration of certain details. I am not aware that the library has had to be closed.