From Department of Rural and Community Development
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Minister for Rural and Community Development Heather Humphreys has today (Saturday 4 November) announced funding of €1.3 million for the provision of new computers, laptops, iPads and other information and communication technology in public libraries across the country.
The investment, under the Libraries Capital Programme, will assist our libraries in becoming more digitally inclusive.
Communities across the country are set to be benefit from the initiative – with a particular focus on supporting young people, our elderly and our disadvantaged.
The funding will also support the new public library strategy, 'The Library Is The Place', which was launched by the Minister in the new Portlaoise Library in July.
Announcing the funding today, Minister Humphreys said:
“I am delighted today to announce a further investment of €1.3 million in our public libraries.
“This will enable public libraries to replace outdated PCs, laptops and iPads with new devices for the benefit of library users of all ages.
“This initiative is all about making our public libraries more accessible and digitally inclusive places. And I’m delighted that my department is able to support libraries across the country with this latest tranche of funding.”
The Minister continued:
“It is essential that our libraries are able to provide up-to-date ICT infrastructure because they play a critical role in helping to support digital inclusion, as well as providing literacy and technology skills training for those looking for work.
“It is also vital our libraries continue to support marginalised and disadvantaged communities to access government services.
“As Minister, I have had the privilege of visiting many libraries in recent months and I look forward to seeing first-hand the positive impact that this investment will have.”
Funding by Local Authority, including the list of libraries that will benefit, is available below.
Carlow Central Library
Carlow Library Archive
Carlow Local Studies
Muinebheag Library
Borris Library
Johnston Central Library
Cootehill Library
Bailieborough Library
Ballyjamesduff Library
Arva Library
Virginia Library
Belturbet Library
Ballyconnell Library
Cavan Library Service Branch Exchange
Kingscourt Library
Corofin Library
De Valera Library, Ennis
Ennistymon Library
Kildysart Library
Kilkee Library
Killaloe Library
Kilmihil Library
Kilrush Library
Lisdoonvarna Library
Miltown Library
Newmarket Library
Scariff Library
Sixmilebridge Library
Shannon Library
Tulla Library
Local Studies Centre, Ennis
The City Library
Tory Top Library
Carrigaline
Bantry
Dunmanway
Lending Library HQ
Midleton
Macroom
Clonakilty
Youghal
Millstreet
Newmarket
Mitchelstown
Fermoy
Charleville
Cape Clear
Skibereen
Bandon
Kinsale
Cobh
Schull
Blackrock library
Cabinteely
Dalkey
Deansgrange
Dundrum
Lexicon
Shankill
Stillorgan
Library HQ
Buncrana Community Library
Bundoran Community Library
Carndonagh Community Library
Central Library, Letterkenny
Donegal Town Branch Library
Leabharlann Phobail Ghaoth Dobhair
Lifford Community Library
Milford Community Library
Moville Branch Library
Leabharlann Phobail na Rosann
Raphoe Branch Library
Twin Towns Community Library
Charleville Mall
Dolphin's Barn
Drumcondra
Richmond Barracks
Pearse St
Marino
Ringsend
Terenure
Pembroke
Phibsboro
Kevin St
Central
Ballyfermot
Donaghmede
Ballymun
Athenry Public Library
Ballinasloe Public Library
Ballybane Public Library
Ballygar Public Library
Clifden Public Library
Dunmore Public Library
Eyrecourt Public Library
Galway City Library
Glenamaddy Library
Gort Public Library
Headford Public Library
Inishbofin Public Library
Killimor Public Library
Leabharlann an Spideil
Leabharlann Inis Meáin
Leabharlann Inis Mór
Leabharlann Inis Oirr
Leabharlann na Ceathrun Rua
Leenane Public Library
Letterfrack Library
Library Headquarters (Local History Section)
Loughrea Public Library
Moylough Public Library
Oranmore Public Library
Oughterard Public Library
Portumna Public Library
Roundstone Public Library
Tuam Public Library
Westside Public Library
Woodford Public Library
Ballybunion
Castleisland
Cahirciveen
Dingle
Kenmare
Killarney
Killorglin
Listowel
Tralee
Athy
Ballitore
Castledermot
Celbridge
Clane
Kilcock
Kilcullen
Kildare Town
Leixlip
Maynooth
Monasterevin
Newbridge
Naas
Rathangan
Local Studies & Archives
Callan
Castlecomer
City
Ferrybank
Graiguenamanagh
Local Studies
Loughboy
Thomastown
Urlingford
Mountmellick
Mountrath
Portarlington
Abbeyleix
Rathdowney
Stradbally
Mohill Library
Carrick-on-Shannon Library
Manorhamilton Library
Ballinamore Library and local studies
Carrigallen Library
Kiltyclogher Library
Dromahair Library
Askeaton
Dromcollogher
Galbally
Glin
Kilfinane
Foynes
Rathkeale
Dooradoyle
Kilmallock
Newcastle West
Ballymahon
Drumlish
Edgeworthstown
Granard
Lanesborough
Longford
Dundalk
Drogheda
Achill
Ballina
Ballinrobe
Ballyhaunis
Belmullet
Castlebar
Charlestown
Claremorris
Crossmolina
Foxford
Kiltimagh
Louisburgh
Swinford
Westport
Ashbourne
Athboy
Duleek
Dunboyne
Dunshaughlin
Kells
Navan
Nobber
Oldcastle
Ráth Chairn
Slane
Trim
Carrickmacross
Clones
Monaghan
Banagher
Birr
Clara
Daingean
Edenderry
Ferbane
Kilcormac
Tullamore
Local Studies Reading Room
Boyle Branch Library
Ballaghaderreen Branch Library -
Rented Temporary Premises
Castlerea Branch Library
Roscommon Branch Library
Strokestown Branch Library
Sligo Central Library
Local Studies Library
Ballymote Community Library
Tubbercurry Community Library
Enniscrone Branch Library
Ballyroan Library
North Clondalkin
Palmerstown Library Digital Hub
Tallaght Library
Borrisokane
Cahir
Carrick-On-Suir
Cashel
Clonmel
Cloughjordan
Killenaule
Nenagh
Roscrea
Templemore
Thurles
Tipperary
Kilmacthomas
Dunmore East
Cappoquin
Lismore
Central
Carrickphierish
Dungarvan
Bunclody Library
Enniscorthy Library
Gorey Library
New Ross Library
Wexford Library
Arklow Library
Ballywaltrim Library
Bray Library
Blessington Library
Greystones Library
Wicklow Library
The new strategy was developed by the Department of Rural and Community Development in partnership with the Local Government Management Agency (LGMA), the County and City Management Association (CCMA) and local authorities. It is a 5-year plan for the period 2023-27 which sets out the strategic context for further investment in library infrastructure, technology, programmes and services.
The new public library strategy promotes the vision of public libraries being leaders in enabling and supporting all people, across all communities, to be informed, connected, literate individuals, skilled for life. The strategy also has the ambitions to be a crucial partner in enhancing digital inclusion and to provide up-to-date ICT infrastructure.
A key strategic action is the development of a new national ‘Skills for Life’ umbrella programme which will be available through all library authorities by the end of 2024. This programme will support lifelong learning by helping people to improve their basic digital skills, media literacy and business and employment skills.
The strategy also commits to begin delivering comprehensive training in 2023 to help staff develop and expand their digital skills, and a cohort of digital library specialists will be created in 2024 to support better digital services in each library authority.
In April 2023, the department invited all Local Authorities to submit applications under the new Libraries Capital Programme 2023-2027. The objectives of the Libraries Capital Programme are to:
(i) Co-fund investment by Local Authorities in new library buildings, refurbishments, extensions and building acquisitions that meet the needs of library users. In general, department funding will not exceed €3 million, or 50% of the cost of the library project, whichever is lower, and only library projects with a total value of more than €500,000 will be considered.
(ii) Co-fund investment in next generation mobile library vehicles. department funding of €150,000, or 75% of the total cost, whichever is lower, is available.
Applications were received for 33 capital projects and 15 mobile vehicles. It is intended that successful projects will be announced by the end of this year.