Jennifer Murnane O'Connor
Question:811. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development her plans to support public libraries across Ireland. [10234/24]
View answerTuesday, 5 March 2024
Questions (811, 825)
Bernard Durkan
Question:825. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the extent of library support provisions she expects to be in a position to make throughout the country in 2024; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10807/24]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 811 and 825 together.
In July 2023, I launched the new Public Library Strategy 2023-2027 "The Library is the Place: Information, Recreation, Inspiration". It is an ambitious forward-looking strategy which sets the direction of travel for the public library service. The strategy seeks to improve access, use and visibility of the 330 public libraries as an essential community service, providing multi-purpose, social, cultural and educational spaces for the whole community to enjoy.
The strategy is underpinned by three overarching themes: People, Spaces, and Connections, delineated across nine strategic objectives and three enablers, encompassing a total of 66 strategic actions. These include:
• Expansion of the Right to Read programme
• Increase access to book clubs for library users
• Establishment of a national network of Gigabit libraries
• Expansion of user-centered design approaches to library services
• Rollout of the national “Skills for Life” umbrella programme, covering digital skills, financial literacy, sustainable lifestyles, and environmental awareness
• Delivery of digital skills training for library staff
• Implementation of a new national media literacy programme for staff
• Development of a data dashboard for library leaders and the public
• The amount of remuneration to authors through the Public Lending Remuneration (PLR) scheme for physical lending shall increase by 50% over the lifetime of the strategy.
The strategy includes a commitment to develop a new library capital programme to align with the strategy for the 2023-2027 period. In 2023, my Department invited all local authorities to submit proposals for the development of public library infrastructure, facilities and mobile library vehicles. An additional €33.1 million is earmarked for the 2023-2027 period for this programme. An announcement of the successful projects is to be made shortly.
My Department is also investing significantly in the development of libraries through the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund which has provided over €57 million to develop and deliver libraries across rural Ireland.
Initiatives such as the My Open Library service, ICT funding, and targeted allocations from Dormant Accounts Funding will further contribute to the enhancement of library services and accessibility.
These strategic investments and targeted initiatives demonstrate my Department’s commitment to ensuring that public libraries remain accessible, inclusive and dynamic spaces that empower individuals and communities alike.