New funding will help upgrade and modernise libraries in Cavan and Monaghan and will also help them adapt to COVID-19 distancing requirements, a Fine Gael Minister has said.

Minister for Rural and Community Development Heather Humphreys, has confirmed that €2.8 million in government funding is being made available to upgrade and modernise libraries across the country.

Minister Heather Humphreys said, “The Department of Rural and Community Development will provide €2.5 million to support a Small Scale Capital Works Programme for public libraries. The Department funding will be matched by local authorities to the value of approximately€280,000 giving a total investment of almost €2.8 million.”

Announcing the new Small Scale Capital Works Programme, Minister Humphreys also said: “One of the key actions of our public library strategy ‘Our Public Libraries - Inspiring, Connecting and Empowering Communities’, is to develop library buildings that are fit for purpose and reflect the quality of services on offer.

“I am delighted to be in a position to announce a Small Scale Capital Works Programme which is a new investment in public libraries.”

“Libraries are an integral part of communities across Cavan and Monaghan and it was great that some libraries could stay open during the pandemic, keeping their services going in new and innovative ways. This government wants to ensure they are supported in continuing this service in upgraded facilities,” Minister Humphreys concluded.

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