Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 11 June 2026
373. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht for an update on the provision of a library in Mahon, Cork city; the stage it is currently at; and the funding avenues that are open for such projects. [44706/26]
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 Mahon, is primarily a matter for Cork City Council.
My Department requires that all public library proposals go through a bespoke Four Stage Capital Management Process to ensure alignment with public policy objectives regarding the requirements for funding and implementing library capital projects. Proposed projects are also required to comply with the Public Library Standards and Benchmarks.
Cork City Council submitted a Stage 1 Approval in Principle application for a library project in Mahon to my Department in Q4 2024. My Department issued Stage 1 approval to Cork City Council in May 2025. This approval did not constitute an allocation of funding for the project.
As you will be aware, the Libraries Capital Programme for the period 2023-2027 was announced in April 2024. I am advised that Cork City Council did not submit a proposal for a library project in Mahon at that time and the programme is now fully committed. However, my Department will be developing a successor Libraries Capital Programme prior to the completion of the 2023-2027 programme, and all Local Authorities will be advised to submit their applications in due course.
