Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 November 2023
1450. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will provide an update on the status of the upgrade to Mayfield library in Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47514/23]
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. Accordingly, the delivery of library services in Mayfield is primarily a matter for Cork City Council.
I am advised that the extension and refurbishment of the Frank O’Connor Library, Mayfield, as a joint development with St Joseph’s Community Centre, is a priority project for Cork City Council and that the project is currently being progressed through my Department’s Four Stage Capital Management Process. This ensures that the project complies with the Public Library National Standards and Benchmarks which guide the development of the public library service. My Department issued Stage 2 approval for the Mayfield Library project on the 27th October 2022. It is also understood that the City Council expect to procure external design team consultants to prepare the pre-tender documentation, which will inform the Stage 3 application to my Department.
In April of this year, my Department invited all Local Authorities to submit proposals for the development of public library infrastructure, facilities and mobile library vehicles under the Libraries Capital Programme 2023-2027. Cork City Council submitted a proposal for the extension and refurbishment of the Frank O’Connor Library, Mayfield. My Department is currently assessing and scoring proposals received, and I look forward to announcing details of the projects that have been approved for funding under the Libraries Capital Programme 2023-2027 before the end of this year.
