Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 23 November 2016
90. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government the nature and results of the consultation that took place with public library staff regarding the My Open Library project in advance of the pilot scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36471/16]
View answer91. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government the risk assessment that has taken place and the details of that assessment with regard to the My Open Library project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36472/16]
View answer93. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government if a condition of approval for capital funding for public libraries is that the library must agree to be an open library; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36474/16]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 90, 91 and 93 together.
‘My Open Library’ is an initiative under Opportunities for All, the national public library strategy 2013-2017 which allows library members the freedom and flexibility to use the library at times that suit them. It provides additional opening hours from 8am to 10pm, seven days-per-week, ensuring access to library services for users who cannot avail of them during regular staffed hours.
The provision and management of library services is a matter for each local authority in its capacity as library authority under the Local Government Act 2001, and this includes delivery of the ‘My Open Library’ service. Accordingly, consultation with staff and the performance of risk assessments in relation to service is a matter for each local authority. My Department has no direct role in these matters.
It is planned to roll-out the service across a further 23 pilot library branches from January 2017 following a successful initial trial in Tullamore, Banagher and Tubbercurry libraries from November 2014. The pilots were selected on the basis of applications received from local authorities interested in delivering the service.
It is also intended that projects funded under the Department’s new Capital Development Programme 2016-20121 will also operate the ‘My Open Library’ service when they are completed. However, this will depend on a number of factors including the scale of the development, the suitability of the library branch for the service and the outcome of the extended pilot phase. Ultimately, the matter will be progressed with the relevant local authorities as part of the capital project approval process.
