asked the Minister for Local Government whether the builders or developers of Ballymun town or shopping centre gave an undertaking to his Department that a swimming pool would be built as an amenity to the area without cost to the State.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Ballymun Swimming Pool.
19.
There was no such undertaking.
Is the Minister aware that the then Minister for Local Government, Deputy Blaney—he is not a Minister now and may not now be a member of Fianna Fáil—attended a meeting of the Dublin Corporation where he told the members that the developers for this area, John Sisk & Co., were making available a swimming pool as their contribution? Deputy Dowling can confirm that this is so. Deputy Blaney is prepared to stand over this. Some time between Deputy Blaney relinquishing office and Deputy Boland taking over it appears this matter went into oblivion. Deputy Blaney is prepared to stand over the statement that the developers were prepared to donate this swimming pool.
May I ask the Minister if he is in favour of a swimming pool in this area?
I think this is the most important question. In reply to Deputy Belton, on the information available to me there was no undertaking given by the developers to provide such a swimming pool in the Ballymun Centre. There has been some confusion about this matter. Such an undertaking was discussed, and despite the fact that negotiations or discussions took place on such a proposal no decision was finally taken on this matter. As I understand it, that is the true position.
In reply to Deputy Dowling, who put what was the most important question, I am fully in favour of the provision of a swimming pool in Ballymun as an amenity for the residents of Ballymun and the surrounding area. I would assure the Deputy that as soon as the local authority can agree on a site—I understand they have suggested a site south of the Ceannt Tower and that discussions are going on with residents about this location— and when they present full proposals to me I will have the matter favourably considered.
I would point out to the Minister that there is a site at Rathmines for a swimming pool for the past 50 years. Would the Minister tell us whether the provision of this swimming pool at Rathmines is under consideration either by his Department or the corporation?
Question No. 19 relates to a swimming pool at Ballymun.
Would the Minister be in a position to make representations to the developers of this scheme, who were paid £12 million, with whom his Department discussed the provision of a swimming pool which would be free of charge to the public, to see that a pool of proper standard and size is constructed at Ballymun without cost to the public?
Certainly not. I do not see any point in confusing the issue any further by following up the suggestion of Deputy Byrne. The local authority are the people with whom I will discuss these matters. As soon as they put a firm proposal before me I will consider the matter.
Is the Minister saying that Deputy Blaney, when he was Minister for Local Government, misled the Dublin Corporation when he told them that this swimming pool would be provided free of charge?
I gave the Deputy the information available to me.
I am calling Question No. 20.
Can the Minister tell us what is the population of Ballymun?
Order. I have already called Question No. 20.
Could the Minister give an undertaking that he will provide the total amount of the cost of the swimming pool at Ballymun without having to go to the local authority in order to expedite construction of the pool?
I have already told the Deputy that I will consider any proposal from the local authority.
We cannot have a debate on this matter. I have called Question No. 20.