Local authority concern at library amalgamations

Cork city and county councils say they are concerned about plans to amalgamate library services saying a one-size fits all approach may not be appropriate in such a large county.

A spokeswoman for Cork City Council said as the proposal is framed, “we could not make it work”. She said the requirement for library services could be very different depending on which part of the county one looks at.

Impact trade union, which represents local authority workers in the country’s libraries, has been running a campaign against the proposed library amalgamations which would bring the number of library services from 32 to 23.

“Our main concerns are the fact local authorities have not identified specific cost savings for the proposal. Public representatives will lose control of issues which affect their local libraries such as closure days,” a spokeswoman said.

“The proposals are opposed by groups representing all grades in the local authority service, including the group representing city and county council libraries. This is being driven by the Department of the Environment and the Local Government Management Agency.”

The union says there has been no consultation with it over the proposals and said any potential savings which may be achieved have not been outlined. It says its members are concerned the proposals could lead to a loss of library services for the counties concerned: Cavan/Monaghan; Laois/Offaly; Longford/Westmeath; Carlow/Kilkenny; Cork City/ County; and Sligo/Leitrim/Roscommon.

Peter Nolan, Impact national secretary, said the union has received widespread cross-party support for the campaign.

“Cork city and county is a unique case because it is the only amalgamation which is happening within county lines,” he said.