Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 March 2015
522. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide by county his plans for library amalgamation; the library services he expects to be amalgamated; the services amalgamated to date; if any closures or service reductions are expected to result as part of the process; the timeframe for the amalgamations to be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10072/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe report Managing the Delivery of Effective Library Services contains detailed arrangements for the planning and implementation of new structures in order to establish stronger, more effective and efficient public libraries and deliver better library services to local communities and citizens. This includes proposals for a new shared services structure for library authorities and a shared services structure for affiliated cities and counties that would result in a single management structure with consequent resource efficiencies.
Under the new model, frontline service will continue to be locally focused, people-centred, with opportunities for enhanced individual and community support services and engagement. The increased capacity resulting from the new structures will increase the scope for developing and enhancing services to the public, providing a broader range of services to the same high standard across the country. This initiative does not involve the closure of libraries and, over time, the shared management structures will increase the scope for developing and enhancing services to the public, providing a broader range of services to the same high standard across the country. Indeed, there will be no decrease in the number of library services or library branches arising from Managing the Delivery of Effective Library Services.
The local authorities that will be realigned to provide new structures serving a population in excess of 100,000 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. The target for implementation of the measures under Managing the Delivery of Effective Library Services is 30 June 2015.
