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.
The Library Development Programme Guidelines, issued by my Department in April 2015, provide that each local authority’s library development programme should define the authority’s plan for developing the library service infrastructure, outlining the prioritised development objectives identified. The determination of priorities for library development is a matter for each local authority.
The preparation of the next capital programme for library development is currently underway.
My Department is assessing all applications received from local authorities, including an application from Sligo County Council in respect of Sligo Central Library.