Carlow library funding
Deputy Murnane O'Connor sought €10 million for Carlow library extension and refurbishment after the project missed funding, despite prior approval. The Ceann Comhairle queried the amount, and the Minister said he supports public libraries and will raise the issue with Minister Humphreys.
I welcomed the major investment of over €25 million in our public library service recently. I know the Minister, Deputy Humphreys, was in Kilkenny to open the €7.2 million Mayfair library in the heart of Kilkenny, which was really welcome. My problem is that an extension for Carlow library and refurbishment of the Presentation building, which was classified as priority level 1 under Carlow County Council's multi-annual capital programme for 2023 to 2025, did not get the funding. The Department issued stage 3 approval for this project in August 2022 for Carlow County Council to proceed to tender with the works, but the tender did not get the funding. It is unacceptable. I know the Minister, Deputy McConalogue, is covering today. I met the Minister, Deputy Humphreys, yesterday. We spoke about it. She will meet me next week. It is not acceptable. The council was told to work away and get stage 3 approval, but then it did not get the funding. It is unfair on the people of Carlow that this new library extension will not happen.
Comment on this
A sum of €10 million.
Comment on this
I thank Deputy Murnane O'Connor for raising this. I absolutely agree with her on the importance of public library services. They do great work across the country and in different counties. I know this has great potential in Carlow. I know the Deputy is working on it with the Minister, Deputy Humphreys. I will certainly pass on to her that the Deputy mentioned it here today as well. I hope the Deputy can make progress on it. I have no doubt, with Deputy Murnane O'Connor on the case, that every effort will be made to ensure it progresses.