Claire Kerrane
Question:1586. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the status of a library (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12209/24]
View answerWednesday, 20 March 2024
Questions (1586)
Written answers
The 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 Elphin is primarily a matter for Roscommon County Council.
However, I am aware that Elphin Library provided library services for 15 hours per week prior to 13 March 2020 when it closed, along with all other public libraries, in accordance with Government guidance in response to the pandemic. While it was closed Roscommon County Council reviewed the ability of Elphin Library to deliver modern library services, including study and other spaces, and concluded that the area of 15 metres squared did not provide sufficient space to comply with this requirement. As a result, Roscommon County Council terminated its lease on the building in Elphin. The local authority has advised that it currently has no plans to locate a library branch in the town. Elphin has been served by a mobile library on a monthly basis since 17 June 2021 and this has increased to weekly, commencing in March 2024.
I am further advised that Roscommon County Council continues to provide library services in a number of towns close to Elphin. These include the recently refurbished Strokestown Library, which is 10km from Elphin, and Boyle Library which is 16km from Elphin. Boyle library currently has 405m2 of space. My department’s Rural Regeneration and Development Fund has approved €4.35m to support the construction of a new library on a brownfield site in Boyle town centre. This will create a key landmark in Boyle and a new modern and innovative cultural and community space, for library users in Boyle and its wider catchment area.
Leitrim County Council also provides library services in Carrick on Shannon Library which is 13km from Elphin. This library opened in a new central location in March 2023 and it is larger than the previous building, with more open space.
Roscommon County Council has advised my department that it continues to monitor the demand for library services in Elphin.