I propose to take Questions Nos. 325 and 326 together.
The delivery of public library services is generally a matter for each local authority in its capacity as a library authority under the Local Government Act 2001. Accordingly, funding for the management and development of library services in Galway City and Galway County is primarily a matter for those local authorities. Details of the funding invested in the library service in Galway, including funding for individual library branches, can be obtained directly from Galway City and County Councils.
That said, my Department provides funding to supplement investment by local authorities in their library services. Funding is provided, for example, as a contribution towards the cost of developing library buildings, technological capacity and resources, book-stock and other areas of activity that enhance local library services.
Details of funding provided by my Department to Galway City and Galway County library services from 2016 to 2018 is set out in the table below - the figures reflect the combined funding provided to Galway City and Galway County library services as these are managed as a single library authority by Galway County Council.
Category of Spend
|
2016
|
2017
|
2018
|
Library Lease Contribution
|
€136,606
|
€123,030
|
-
|
1916 Book-fund
|
€6,255
|
-
|
-
|
My Open Library (service technology and infrastructure - Oranmore and Ballinasloe libraries)
|
€98,688
|
-
|
-
|
Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) (tagging for Book-stock)
|
-
|
€13,952
|
-
|
Our Public Libraries Strategy Funding (ICT/RFID, book-stock, hot-desk facilities)
|
-
|
€141,805
|
-
|
Total Payments
|
€241,549
|
€278,787
|
-
|