The National Library of Ireland has welcomed the announcement that €2 million in additional funding will be made available for national cultural institutions under the Government's revised estimates later this month.
The library says it is “hopeful” the funding will enable it to keep its doors open across all services and to play a full part in 1916 commemorations. It had warned the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht it faced “very unpalatable and unavoidable decisions” about service provision in 2015.
Before last month’s budget the library sought an increase of €1 million in funding to enable it to continue to maintain basic services. However, the budget did not provide an increase in funding for any of the national institutions.
Catherine Fahy, acting director of the library, said she was relieved that Minister for Arts Heather Humphreys had indicated there would be additional funding in the coming weeks.
Challenges
“We have worked closely with the department in recent months to look at how best to resolve the funding challenges we currently face.
“This announcement of additional funding is the outcome of our work, and is a very positive result.
“We look forward to receiving more detail about the additional funding in the coming weeks.”
On Friday Ms Humphreys said she had secured the extra funding for the national cultural institutions following talks with Minister for Public Expenditure Brendan Howlin.
Last month the National Museum of Ireland warned it faced "difficult options" which might mean the introduction of entry charges for the public or the closure of some facilities from January.
