Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 5 May 2021
703. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will address a matter regarding funding for a group (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22680/21]
View answerThe provision of library services, including the provision of library buildings, is primarily a matter for local authorities in their capacity as library authorities under the Local Government Act, 2001.
However, my Department supports Local Authorities in the provision of a public library service through a Libraries Capital Programme. This programme is providing some €29 million in funding to support 18 library projects, including the provision of a mobile library vehicle for Kerry County Council, and the My Open Library initiative, over the period 2016 to end-2022. In addition, in 2020, my Department provided capital funding of €3million to support refurbishment projects in public libraries and Kerry County Council were successful in obtaining funding of €100,000 towards the cost of upgrade and refurbishment works in all nine of their library buildings. Should similar funding become available again in the future, any proposals for funding received from Kerry County Council would be assessed on their merits. However, I would like to emphasise that it is public library service policy to ensure that library spaces are as flexible as possible to ensure maximum utilisation for all library members.
I commend the Storied Kerry initiative and recognise the importance of preserving our history and culture for generations to come. In that regard, I approved funding of €200,000 in 2019 for a Decade of Centenaries project that will support public libraries in digitising documentation relating to that period of our history.
