Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 September 2018
100. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the capital investment in public libraries in 2017 and to date in 2018 in order to support the roll out of Our Public Libraries 2022 – Inspiring, Connecting and Empowering Communities. [38349/18]
View answerMy Department provides funding to supplement investment by local authorities in their library services. Funding is provided, for example, as a contribution towards the cost of developing library buildings, technological capacity and resources, book-stock and other areas of activity that enhance local library services.
In 2017 my Department provided funding of almost €3.5 million to libraries across the country in Libraries Strategy Funding. This funding included tagging of book-stock, hot-desk facilities, purchase of book-stock and ICT equipment. In addition to this, over €3 million was provided under my Department's Libraries Capital Investment Programme giving a total capital investment of €6.5 million in 2017.
I recently approved funding for 2018 of almost €6 million for ICT capacity, digital services and facilities in public libraries. In addition, approximately €1 million is expected to be paid under the Libraries Capital Investment Programme this year giving a total capital investment of c.€7 million in 2018.
Responsibility for the delivery of public library services is generally a matter for each local authority in its capacity as a library authority under the Local Government Act 2001. Accordingly, the primary responsibility for funding the management and development of library services including the implementation of the new Strategy rests with the local authorities.
