A state-of-the-art €7 million library remains closed as it cannot be staffed due to an embargo on recruiting new staff.
The new library in Malahide, Co Dublin, five times the size of its predecessor, was to have been opened in June. However, a plan to double its opening hours requires eight new staff.
An embargo placed on recruitment of new staff by the Department of Finance capped personnel numbers at 2002 levels before the new library was built.
The Department of Education provided a grant of €4.6 million and Fingal County Council contributed €2.4 million towards the new library. An application to lift the embargo in the Fingal area has been refused and a second application is being considered.
Dr James Reilly, Fine Gael TD for Dublin North, is calling on the Government to resolve what he called "economic madness". The cap, he said, was a blunt instrument which did as much harm as good. He stressed the importance of fast-tracking the application.
Darragh O'Brien, Fianna Fáil TD for Dublin North, has written to Minister for the Environment John Gormley to support the case for extra staff and has said he will be raising the matter in the Dáil.
Dr Reilly claimed that the temporary library would close on Saturday, due to the expiration of its lease, leaving Malahide with no library facilities. Mr O'Brien disputed this, stating: "The council have full use of the lease until October 1st."