Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 11 June 2026
185. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Education and Youth whether her Department has had engagement with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage regarding collocating a youth centre with a new library building at Mahon, Cork city. [44707/26]
View answerThe Department is dedicated to enhancing the delivery and development of youth work services and opportunities for young people across the country.
The 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 design and delivery of a library building in Mahon, Blackrock, including any potential for considering colocation proposals, is primarily a matter for Cork City Council.
I am aware that there has been some engagement at local level between Cork City Council and Cork ETB in relation to the proposed co-location of a youth centre with the new library building in Mahon.
Where proposals arise to co-locate youth centres with other community infrastructure, it is important that such developments are considered in conjunction with the relevant Education and Training Board (ETB), which has a mid-level governance role in the administration and oversight of youth services.
