Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 April 2024
774. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the current progress and eventual timeline for the provision of an extension for Carlow library (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18936/24]
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 provision of an extension to Carlow Town Library is a matter for Carlow County Council.
As advised in my response to PQ 2613/24 on 23 January 2024, my Department invited Local Authorities in April 2023 to submit proposals for the development of public library infrastructure, facilities and mobile library vehicles under the Libraries Capital Programme 2023-2027. Carlow County Council submitted a proposal for the refurbishment and conservation of Carlow Town Library, which included a modern extension.
My Department conducted a thorough evaluation of all proposals submitted, using the scoring matrix that was published in the call for proposals that issued to Local Authorities in April 2023. Due to the large number of applications received, and limited capital envelope available, Carlow County Council's application did not score high enough to receive funding approval on this occasion. However, the Carlow Town Library project has been approved for inclusion on a waitlist should further funding become available during the lifetime of the programme. A maximum grant of €3m applies for proposals funded under the Libraries Capital Programme 2023-2027.
