Skip to main content
Normal View

Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 28 Oct 1965

Vol. 218 No. 4

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin Swimming Pool.

13.

asked the Minister for Local Government whether he is satisfied with the present position regarding swimming pools in the Dublin area where only two pools exist to meet the needs of 600,000 people; and, if not, what steps he is taking to remedy this position.

I am not satisfied with the present position in Dublin City area. In March last, when I announced details of the £16,000 prototype indoor heated pool, a proposal had been received from the corporation for a pool at Crumlin estimated to cost £164,000. I requested the corporation to reconsider the proposal in the light of the developments regarding the prototype pool and in conjunction with the suggestion that a number of low-cost pools might be provided for the city area with the minimum of delay. Subsequently, discussions took place between officials of my Department and the corporation about the points at issue. The corporation have now submitted a proposal for a pool costing £48,750 and this proposal is under examination in my Department. I hope to be in a position to reply to the Corporation in the matter shortly.

In so far as private pools are concerned, during the current financial year, I have approved of the payment of subsidy towards loan charges arising from contributions by the corporation in respect of pools at Marian College, Ballsbridge, and St. Mary's School and Home for the Blind, Merrion.

Would the Minister state if the Corporation have submitted plans for one pool?

That is what I said. That is the information I have.

Does the Minister seriously think that that is a constructive approach to the problem in the city of Dublin where there is a population of half a million? Does the Minister seriously think that an extra pool is sufficient in addition to the two there already, one of which was built by the Guinness family?

As far as I know this new pool is in substitution for the earlier proposal in respect of a pool estimated to cost £164,000.

Is it in the same place?

I imagine it is.

There is no indication that the Minister is going to do anything for Ballyfermot.

Not to the stage of proposals being with me.

Top
Share