Deputy Niamh Smyth (FF).

'No closures' says Minister on library amalgamations

“There will be no closures of any libraries under the initiative but rather an enhancement of the services available in the smaller local authorities,” a Minister has outlined in the Dáil, referencing the proposed amalgamations of library services in some regions, including Cavan and Monaghan.

A merger of library services in Cavan and Monaghan, along with Laois and Offaly, Carlow and Kilkenny, Longford and Westmeath, and Sligo, Leitrim and Roscommon was first outlined in the 'Putting People First’ Action Programme for Effective Local Government (2012). It is also recommend that Cork city and County Cork, which are currently the only affiliated city and county services operating individually, should be operated as a shared service.
The programme led to a Shared Services Library Working Group for Libraries deciding that a population of 100,000 is required to have an effective Library Service.
However, the plan has been met with widespread objection, with concerns expressed over the potential loss of jobs, as well as the perceived negative effect an amalgamation may have on local services.
Last week in the Dáil Minister of State at the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation Damien English moved to address those fears, saying that the key challenge for the current structure is the need for the creation of scale for existing library authorities.
“There will be no closures of any libraries under the initiative but rather an enhancement of the services available in the smaller local authorities,” Deputy English said, adding that the intention is to ensure that “no matter where one lives, one will be able to avail of the extensive services the libraries now offer.”
He further stated that the proposed model seeks to put in place planning and implementation arrangements to deliver more “effective and efficient public libraries” with a view to enhancing the quality and range of services. “That will ensure the long-term sustainability of the library service in those areas,” Deputy English said.
However, there are those who remain unconvinced, with local Fianna Fáil Deputy for Cavan/Monaghan Niamh Smyth describing any move to consolidate library services in Cavan and Monaghan as an “attack on rural Ireland”.
“The proposal to amalgamate these services has been decided without any analysis, financial or otherwise and makes no sense. Already Cavan and Monaghan Library Services work closely together on various projects without this drastic proposal to amalgamate.
“If these new proposals go ahead, there will be a Lead Authority who will manage the service in either Cavan or Monaghan. There will be only one county Librarian between both counties, one library Headquarters and only one library staff management structure.”
Deputy Smyth says one county will lose its headquarters as a result and services will ultimately suffer.
“I believe libraries are a soft target that traditionally has suffered losses. Deputy Shane Cassells, Barry Cowen TD and myself will raise this issue and will now impress upon the Department and the Minister with responsibility, the need to retain the services as they are, at present,” she stated.