Library Services

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 23 June 2016

Thursday, 23 June 2016

Questions (147)

Eugene Murphy

Question:

147. Deputy Eugene Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to amalgamate library services in County Roscommon with counties Sligo and Leitrim; if such plans will put any of the six libraries in County Roscommon, namely, Roscommon, Boyle, Ballaghaderreen, Strokestown and Elphin, under threat of closure; and to clarify the breakdown and number of staff currently employed in each of the six library branches in County Roscommon. [17833/16]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government

The introduction of changes to the 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 it require a reduction in the library services available in those areas. 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.

Under section 159 of the Local Government Act 2001, each Chief Executive is responsible for the staffing and organisational arrangements necessary for carrying out the functions of the local authorities for which he or she is responsible. In this regard, it is a matter for each individual Chief Executive to recruit and assign staff to specific divisions and locations.