Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 28 February 2024
205. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development when a decision on an application to progress to phase 3 of upgrades to properties (details supplied) will be made, and if he will account for continued delays in this decision. [9436/24]
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, incorporating St Joseph’s Community Centre, is a priority project for Cork City Council. The library element of the project is currently being progressed through my Department’s Four Stage Capital Management Process. This ensures that the library complies with my Department's 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 last 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. My Department has assessed all proposals received. I look forward to shortly announcing details on the projects that will be approved for funding under the Libraries Capital Programme 2023-2027.
