Under Section 78 of the Local Government Act 2001, the provision of premises and facilities in the public library service is a matter for each local authority in its capacity as a library authority.
My Department provides capital funding towards approved new library projects carried out by local authorities subject to availability of resources. All available funding under the Library Capital Programme 201 4 is fully committed towards previously approved library projects and there are no additional funds available. This position has been notified by my Department directly to the local authority in this case.
The library service provides valuable social, educational and cultural services to communities around the country and my Department will continue to work with local authorities so that every effort is made to ensure the delivery of appropriate services within budgetary constraints.