Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 June 2016
114. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the rationale for the amalgamation of library services in counties Leitrim, Sligo and Roscommon, which implies a drastic reduction in library services for those counties; the cost savings of this amalgamation; and the cost of necessary new builds to compensate for the closure of small local libraries. [16332/16]
View answerThe introduction of a shared library management model for the library authorities in Sligo, Leitrim and Roscommon, as outlined in the report Managing the Delivery of Effective Library Services, will not involve the closure of libraries nor will there be a reduction in the library services available in those areas.
Rather than a requirement to drive greater cost efficiency, the proposed model seeks to put in place planning and implementation arrangements that will deliver more effective and efficient public libraries with a view to securing the delivery of an enhanced quality and range of services. This will ensure the long-term sustainability of the library service in these areas.
To this end, front-line services will continue to be locally focused and people-centred, with opportunities for enhanced individual and community support services and engagement. It will secure a stronger senior management structure and increase capacity across the relevant library authorities, thus increasing the scope for developing and enhancing services to the public, and providing a broader range of services to the same high standard across the country.
