Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 25 May 1989

Vol. 390 No. 6

Written Answers. - Sligo Projects Funding.

42.

Mr. Nealon

asked the Minister for Education the moneys which have been allocated through her Department from the national lottery or otherwise for the Sligo swimming pool project; the moneys, if any, which have been handed over for this work; the timetable for payment of money designated for this project; the conditions which have been attached or are being attached to the allocation of those funds in terms of local contributions, of the on-going viability of the pool or otherwise; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

43.

Mr. Nealon

asked the Minister for Education if Sligo has been designated as the centre for regional athletics, including track and field facilities; the moneys which have been provided from the national lottery or otherwise to help finance such work; if applications for funding for this development are under consideration; the timetable which is envisaged for the starting and completion of this project; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

44.

Mr. Nealon

asked the Minister for Education if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the starting of work on Sligo swimming pool is being held up pending clearance to start from her and her Department; when she intends to give her authorisation for the work to commence; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Education (Mrs. O'Rourke)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 42, 43 and 44 together.

Sligo has been designated by the Government as the location for a regional sports centre with maximum full cost capital funding of £1 million from the national lottery. The project will comprise the provision of a 25 metre swimming pool with spectator facilities. The site for the centre is being provided by Sligo Corporation adjoining the existing sports complex.

It is a condition of approval for the project and for payment of the grant that the centre should be self-financing in operation and my Department is in consultation with Sligo Corporation in this regard. It would not be possible at this stage to outline a timescale for the remaining planning stages or for the commencement of work.

Payment of the grant would be made in instalments as building work proceeds on receipt of the consultants building certificates. There are no proposals under consideration in my Department to provide athletic facilities in Sligo.