Mayfield library still hoping to get funding for refurbishment

Securing planning permission on plans for Mayfield library, agreed in 2024, should help it to be successful in its bid for government funding, a minister of state has said.

The library was unsuccessful in its application under the current libraries programme, but there will an opportunity to resubmit next year, which has been hailed as good news by a local councillor.

Green Party TD Roderic O'Gorman recently asked Jerry Buttimer, Cork TD and Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, his Department’s view towards funding the refurbishment of Mayfield library in Cork under the Libraries Capital Programme 2023-2027.

Mr Buttimer said: “I am informed by Cork City Council that the library project at Mayfield is categorised as a priority project in the Council’s Development Plan 2022-2028.

“I am further advised that the Part 8 planning application, as per the requirements of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended), was approved by Councillors in October 2024, allowing the proposal to be progressed through the standard planning approval process.” 

He said that his department’s Libraries Capital Programme 2023 – 2027 which will invest €22.6m in 11infrastructure projects and €2.6m in 12 mobile library vehicles “is now fully committed”.

Cork City Council’s application under the programme for Mayfield Library was unsuccessful, Mr Buttimer said.

“One of the key factors in the failure of this project to secure funding was the lack of progress regarding planning approval at the time.” He added that the department will be developing a successor programme, with an anticipated launch of a call for proposals in 2027.

Eligibility criteria and funding levels under this next programme have not yet been determined, but all councils will be advised of these and requested to submit their applications “in due course”, he said.

Green party councillor Oliver Moran said: “It’s over 40 years since the library was created from a converted supermarket in 1984.

“It’s unique in Cork in being named after a local writer. Literally hundreds of people use it every day, as a study space, for exhibitions, as well as traditional borrowing, and the community centre attached to it is at capacity.” 

He added that local councillors have focused the funding they have on improving it: “Resurfacing the car park, placing a tree outside, and the parklet, which is well used.

“We're looking now at public lighting, but what it really needs is the full redevelopment agreed by Cork City Council in 2024.

“I’m hopeful the signal in the government's reply is that they will fund it in the next round of national funding in 2027.

“Having a new library ready on site before the 50th anniversary of its opening is something everyone in the community would welcome.”