andMr. Cowen asked the Minister for Local Government if he will sanction the proposals which are before his Department for some time regarding Edenderry swimming pool, County Offaly.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Swimming Pools.
44.
This is one of the 31 projects spread over 18 counties which, as I indicated in my reply to Question No. 23 on 11th June, I am having reviewed to see what is the current position of each in the matter of design, local contribution, et cetera. Progress with site acquisitions will also be ascertained. On receipt of the information being sought, I will consider these and any other projects that may be submitted within the terms specified in the reply of 11th June.
45.
asked the Minister for Local Government if he will now indicate that he is prepared to sanction the payment of a grant for the building of a swimming pool at Fermoy, County Cork, where a great public demand exists for one and where an exceptional voluntary effort has been and is being put into it.
The Fermoy project will be considered in the general review of pool proposals before my Department as referred to in my reply to Question No. 23 on 11th June, 1970. It would not be possible to give an indication at this stage when this particular project may be approved.
Is the Minister aware that, as a result of his reply to a question on 11th June, there is great uneasiness in the town of Fermoy because Fermoy is not mentioned? Will he say now that he agrees with me that the idea of a swimming pool in Fermoy was mooted away back in 1967 when approved plans were submitted to his Department? Those plans were agreed in February, 1968; the local contribution asked for is still waiting in Fermoy. In March, 1968, the Minister's Department asked Fermoy Urban Council to get architectural advice on the layout of the swimming pool. Fermoy is not now mentioned and we feel that either Salthill or Renmore has taken Fermoy's place in the list.
The Deputy's information is not very accurate when he refers to Salthill. It was not included in the list of pools. His reference to Renmore also shows a great lack of information and I am disappointed in the attitude the Deputy has taken.
I can well understand the Minister's disappointment at my doubt. I am expressing the disappointment of the people of Fermoy which it is my right to do. I feel—and I believe rightly so—that Fermoy has been badly and shamelessly let down by the Minister's Department in this regard.
Question No. 46.
46.
asked the Minister for Local Government the position regarding proposals for a swimming pool at Clonmel, County Tipperary; whether he has received an application for a grant; if so, whether he has approved it, and the amount involved; the total cost and size of the pool; and whether it is to be heated.
I have received proposals from Clonmel Corporation and Tipperary (SR) County Council to raise loans of £25,000 and £15,000 respectively for the purpose of making contributions to a pool being provided by a local group. I understand that the pool is to be 33?metres x 30 feet, heated and estimated to cost £50,000. The proposals will be considered in the general review of such projects which was referred to in my reply to Question No. 23 on 11th June, 1970.
Can the Minister indicate what place in priority the Clonmel pool may have?
This whole question is under review. I do not think I should give any indications of priority at this stage.
Can the Minister give any indication when the allocation of money will be sanctioned?
The proposal is under review.
Is the Minister not aware of the recent drownings and of the drownings every year as well as of the dangers of swimming in traditional places many of which are now polluted waters? Would the Minister kindly review this matter and do what he can to expedite sanction for this long-delayed need?
I have already indicated to the Deputy that the matter is under review. The Deputy asked me to review it. I am telling him that I am doing so. I am only doing what the Deputy is asking me to do. I cannot see what else he wants me to do.
When will the Minister provide the money?
Has the Minister any information as to when we might get cement for building the swimming pools?
That is a separate question.
47.
asked the Minister for Local Government what proposals, if any, are in his Department from Roscommon County Council to provide swimming pools at Roscommon, Boyle, and Strokestown; the date on which the proposals were submitted; and what action he has taken on proposals to date.
Preliminary proposals for pools at Ballaghaderreen, Boyle, Roscommon and Strokestown were submitted to my Department in April, 1966. The county council indicated that they wished to proceed first with the pool in Roscommon. Following correspondence, the Department advised the council in February, 1969, that they should proceed with the planning of the pool and the site and should endeavour to ensure that a substantial voluntary contribution was accumulated. The council's further proposals are awaited.
The position regarding these pools will be examined in the course of the general review of swimming pool projects in preparation to which I referred in my reply to Question No. 23 on 11th June, 1970.