Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 October 2025
92. Deputy Mark Wall asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht if new funding has been allocated to the development of additional public libraries as part of Budget 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55407/25]
View answerThe Programme for Government contains a commitment to reform and strengthen local government, to further support it in its responsibility for the delivery of many essential services including libraries. The provision of library services is primarily a matter for local authorities in their capacity as library authorities under the Local Government Act 2001.
Investing in our library network is a key priority for my Department and this is reflected in the National Public Library Strategy 2023-2027 ‘The Library is the Place',which was launched in July 2023. The Strategy, which focuses on strengthening public libraries as multi-purpose social and educational spaces, is a five-year plan containing 66 actions to enhance library services.
The Libraries Capital Programme 2023-2027 is investing €22.6m in 11 state-of-the-art library infrastructure projects and a further €2.6m in 12 next generation mobile library vehicles. While no new funding has been allocated to the development of additional public libraries as part of Budget 2026, my Department's annual capital budget for libraries increased this year to support the delivery of the projects approved under the Libraries Capital Programme up to 2027.
In May 2024, funding of circa €28m was announced under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF) to support three regeneration projects that include new library facilities. A fourth call for Category 2 RRDF applications opened in October 2024. I am delighted to note that €663,100 in funding was announced last Friday for a project that includes the development of a plan for a new Library in Belmullet, Co. Mayo.
The My Open Library service is now available in 56 branches and the Programme for Government contains a commitment to triple this service and to enhance library sensory spaces for inclusive community use.
