Vol. 469 No. 6
72 Mr. Bell asked the Minister for the Environment if he has received a proposal from Dundalk UDC for the provision of a public swimming pool; his views on whether Dundalk as the largest town should have this essential public facility; the funding, if any, that is available for any such proposal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16216/96]
There is no proposal from Dundalk Urban District Council before my Department at present for the provision of a swimming pool. Under present financial arrangements, capital grants of up to 80 per cent of the approved costs of new swimming pools provided by local authorities, or by voluntary organisations in co-operation with local authorities, are available from my Department. My Department is also prepared to allow up to 80 per cent of the costs of providing certain ancillary facilities in new pools for grant purposes. The balance of costs must be met by way of local contribution.
A provision of £2.5 million is available in my Department's Vote for 1996 for grants towards the provision and refurbishment of swimming pools. This provision is fully committed to projects under construction or fully approved and on which work is expected to commence later this year.
