Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 9 November 2023
335. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she has received any plans to establish a library in an area (details supplied); and if she will detail the costs of same that she has received. [49104/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe provision of library services, including the provision of library buildings, is primarily a matter for local authorities in their capacity as library authorities under the Local Government Act 2001. Accordingly, the delivery of library services in the area identified is primarily a matter for Cork City Council.
However, my department has been informed by Cork City Council that a potential site has been identified in principle for a library on the grounds of Nagle Community College, on the Avenue De Rennes. I understand that discussions regarding this site are ongoing between the local authority and Cork Education and Training Board. Both parties have committed to signing a Memorandum Of Understanding this month for the project, which will incorporate a youth services element.
Cork City Council have been advised of the requirement to progress the project through my department's four stage Capital Management Process. I understand that the City Council plan to submit a Stage 1 Application for Approval in Principle for the project to my Department in Quarter 1 2024. This requirement is to ensure that the project complies with the Public Library Standards and Benchmarks, which is the practice for all new public library projects. Costs for this project are currently unknown, due to the it being in the early stages of planning, but cost estimates will be contained in the Stage 1 Application when it is submitted.
