asked the Minister for Local Government if he will direct local authorities who are developing housing sites in populous areas removed from watering places, to make provision for swimming pools in their development plans and if he will request these authorities to provide swimming pools where feasible in areas which have already been built up.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Swimming Pools.
The initiative in matters of the kind referred to by the Deputy rests with the local authorities and I have no power to issue such a direction as he suggests. I think, however, that swimming pools programmes must continue to be dealt with as part of the general amenity programme in each district and that they cannot be included in actual housing development works in a manner which would involve an addition to housing costs. Subject to this, any proposals on the lines suggested will receive sympathetic consideration in my Department.