Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 October 2014
305. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans for mergers of local authority library services; the local authorities that will share services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38896/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraOpportunities for All, a Strategy for Public Libraries 2013-2017, recommends “a review of existing organisation structures - to establish stronger, more effective and efficient public libraries in the context of local government reform and shared services and new opportunities afforded by the strategy outcomes”. A working group was established to examine the potential for shared services in the public library service. The working group determined that the current structures in terms of organisation, workforce and service delivery are in need of reform in order for the public library service to be in a position to maximise service delivery opportunities and achieve best outcomes in terms of effectiveness, efficiency and customer service. The key challenge in the present structure is the need for the creation of scale for existing library authorities. In order to achieve this, the Working Group determined that a new shared services structure for library authorities should be established, with a minimum population target of 100,000 as an appropriate basis for determining a libraries’ shared services structure. A shared services structure for affiliated cities and counties should also be established, delivering a single management structure with consequent resource efficiencies.
The library service in each local authority will retain its own branding, logo etc., and the elected members in each authority will remain responsible for reserved functions in respect of the library service in their own area, including annual budgets and library development programmes.
The local authorities that are to share library services are Carlow/Kilkenny; Cavan/Monaghan; Laois/Offaly; Leitrim/Roscommon/Sligo; and Longford/Westmeath.
Cork City/Cork County, currently with affiliated services, would also become a shared service.
