From:Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht

Minister of State with special responsibility for Community Development and Charities, Jerry Buttimer TD, and Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD, have today (Friday, 26 June 2026) announced funding of just over €3 million for the provision of equipment and facilities for public libraries across the country.

These include sensory equipment, accessibility infrastructure, ICT hardware upgrades to increase broadband speed, and modern furniture and operational equipment. Delivered under the Libraries Capital Programme, this investment will ensure our public libraries become even more inclusive and accessible and develop further as digitally connected hubs.

Making the announcement, Minister of State Buttimer said:

“Having visited many libraries across Ireland, I know first-hand that they are a true cornerstone of our local communities. I am delighted that this targeted funding will assist them in advancing their accessibility, sensory spaces and broadband speeds, ensuring they can continue to deliver a vital, modern service to everyone in their communities.”

“Libraries are the vibrant heart of our communities, serving as trusted spaces where people of all ages and backgrounds can connect, learn, and grow together. I am delighted to announce this funding, which fulfils our Programme for Government Commitment to deliver inclusive, sensory spaces in our libraries. By boosting digital inclusion and community connection, this investment also drives our national library strategy, ‘The Library is the Place’.”

Minister of State Buttimer concluded:

“Having visited many libraries across Ireland, I know first-hand that they are a true cornerstone of our local communities. I am delighted that this targeted funding will assist them in advancing their accessibility, sensory spaces and broadband speeds, ensuring they can continue to deliver a vital, modern service to everyone in their communities.”

This targeted investment will help to transform Irish libraries into world-class, inclusive hubs by removing physical, sensory and digital barriers to learning. In addition, the Libraries Capital Programme 2023-2027 is investing €22.6million in 11 state-of-the-art infrastructure projects and a further €2.6million in 12 next-generation mobile library vehicles.

Allocations for 2026 Small-scale Capital Investment for Public Libraries