Minister Humphreys approves €3 million funding for public library upgrades and measures to respond and adapt to COVID-19.
- 113 libraries to benefit from €4.1 million in overall funding
- Meeting spaces, study pods and other upgrades to be carried out
Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, has today (Monday, 28 September) announced funding of €3 million to support a Small Scale Capital Works Programme in public libraries.
The Department funding will be matched by local authorities to the value of c. €1.1 million – giving a total investment of almost €4.1million.
The public libraries strategy, Our Public Libraries 2022, seeks to deliver a progressive library service and facilities that are fit for purpose.
This funding announcement, along with the library projects funded under the Libraries Capital Programme and the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund, sees a major investment in public library buildings across the country.
Announcing the funding, Minister Humphreys said:
“When I launched this initiative earlier in the Summer I allocated €2.5 million total. However, following the receipt of the applications, and in recognition of the breadth and quality of the proposals, I have decided to increase the overall allocation to €3m, providing each Library Authority with €100,000 for their proposed works.”
The Minister continued:
“The works range from the installation of study pods, to Perspex screens, to building extensions; all of which will make a real difference to the library buildings as they adapt to the new public health guidelines.
These works will strengthen the library’s position as a community hub and ensure that it is a modern, well-equipped and comfortable facility that will leave a positive legacy for years to come. In total 113 libraries will be upgraded with this funding.”
In concluding, the Minister thanked local authorities and library staff for their ongoing work during Covid-19.
Works will commence in the libraries over the coming weeks and will be completed by end 2020/early 2021.
Read the full press release here.