asked the Minister for Justice if he will state with reference to the handball alley at the Templemore Garda depot the estimated and actual cost; the number of occasions upon which it has been used; whether there are any defects therein; if so, if he will state the nature thereof, and the steps being taken to remedy them; the dates of commencement and completion of its construction; and when the alley will be available for regular use.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Garda Depot Handball Alley.
84.
There are three handball alleys at Templemore Garda Training Centre, two outdoor and one indoor.
The estimated cost of the two outdoor alleys together was £3,500; the final cost is expected to be about £4,500. Work on these alleys started in November, 1963 and was completed in May, 1964. There are no defects in these alleys and they are being regularly used.
The estimated cost of the indoor alley, with which is incorporated toilet accommodation for general use, was £11,000, and the final cost is expected to be about £13,000. Only limited use has been made of this alley up to now. Defects consist of cracks in the wall plastering and rough patches in the floors. Work on this alley started in May, 1963 and was completed in August, 1964. The consultant architect has arranged to have the defects rectified without cost to the State, and it is expected that the alley will be available for regular use in a month's time.
Will the Minister explain why it is that one of these alleys is full of water? Will he say what steps are being taken to remedy the drainage position, or is it proposed to convert the alley into a swimming pool and convert the swimming pool into a handball alley?
The Deputy has a nice wit. The alley will be all right in a month's time at no expense to the State.
Is it proposed to have water handball alleys in future? Is this a new game in the form of water polo? Why is the handball alley full of water?
It is not.
Wait now; when was it——
I refuse to accept what Deputy Ryan says is right.
Very well; if the Minister will consult with the Garda, he will find that there is usually one foot of water in the alley. I suggest that he fill it up to the top and convert it into a swimming pool.
Did the Deputy see it?
It is a scandalous state of affairs.