Irish Housing Minister, Michael Finneran has announced his approval for a two year Capital Programme for Public Libraries, amounting to €7.8 million in 2010, which will contribute towards the development and refurbishment of a range of public libraries throughout the country.

Minister Finneran was happy to note that, despite the pressure on public finances, his Department was in a position to continue to deliver on the commitment set out in 2008 in Branching Out – Future Directions, the Government’s policy document on public library service provision.

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The Minister added that, since the publication of Branching Out – Future Directions in July 2008, his Department has also provided funding to a range of library projects throughout the country.

The new 2010-2011 programme will build on that - with support for library development in Ballyfermot, Dublin City; Dún Laoghaire and Ballyroan, Co. Dublin; Carlingford, Co. Louth; Gweedore, Co. Donegal; Roscommon Town; Muine Bheag, Co. Carlow; Tullamore, Co. Offaly; Swinford, Co. Mayo and a replacement mobile and delivery van for Limerick County.

Subject to public finances being available in 2011, library projects in Kilkenny City, Donegal Town, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway, Portarlington, Co. Laois and Arklow, Co. Wicklow will receive grant aid. Funding is also designated in 2011 to provide library vehicles to South Dublin (schools mobile) and Cavan (mobile library).

(NS/GK)