Vol. 259 No. 5
asked the Minister for Local Government the present position in relation to plans before his Department for the erection of swimming pools in Ballyfermot and other Dublin areas; if he will give details of their design; and when it is expected that Dublin Corporation will get departmental approval.
44.
asked the Minister for Local Government when he expects to be in a position to sanction the building of a swimming pool for Ballyfermot, Dublin.
45.
asked the Minister for Local Government if he is aware of the serious lack of amenities in Ballymun, Dublin; and if he will as a matter of urgency consider and sanction the proposal in his Department to build a swimming pool.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 43, 44 and 45 together.
Proposals from Dublin Corporation for the construction of indoor, heated swimming pools, measuring 25 metres long, 9.5 metres wide and 3 to 6 feet deep, at Ballyfermot, Finglas and Ballymun are under examination in my Department.
I am aware of the urgent need for swimming pools in these areas — in fact, last March I approved in principle of the provision of pools in Ballyfermot and Finglas—and a decision on these proposals, which were received in my Department on the 9th February and for which supporting documentation was submitted on the 23rd idem, will be given as soon as possible.
When did Deputy Dowling put down this question? I suppose it was after he had discovered I had put down my questions.
Deputy Clinton should allow Questions to continue.
Can the Parliamentary Secretary say what is the holdup in reaching a decision on the Ballymun swimming pool and can he tell us what site in Ballymun is to be used for this purpose?
This is a package deal and the one at Ballymun will take 150 spectators. I am afraid I cannot give the exact measures.
I have not asked for the measures. My question related to the siting of the pool at Ballymun.
I do not know where the pool is to be sited.
Can the Parliamentary Secretary say what is holding up his decision in relation to this pool? For some time past those of us who represent the constituency — Deputy Tunney included — have been having a rough time on this account.
A decision will be taken fairly soon.
Within the next few days?
Very shortly.
What is the estimated cost of each of these swimming pools?
That is a separate question.
The total cost of the three is £134,000.
£134,000 each?
I will send the information to the Deputy.
Perhaps I could help the Parliamentary Secretary: the one at Ballymun will cost £230,000.
