Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 14 Nov 1996

Vol. 471 No. 6

Written Answers. - 50 Metre Swimming Pool.

Máirín Quill

Question:

9 Miss Quill asked the Minister for Education the date on which she commissioned a feasibility study to examine the options in respect of the provision of a national 50 metre swimming pool complex; the name of the consultancy firm commissioned to undertake this study; the date upon which the results of the feasibility study were presented to her Department; the outcome of her Department's assessment of the feasibility study; if she will have arrangements made to make a copy of the feasibility study available to Members of Dáil Éireann; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21182/96]

Robert Molloy

Question:

36 Mr. Molloy asked the Minister for Education the current position regarding the provision of a 50 metre swimming pool; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20118/96]

Mary Harney

Question:

52 Miss Harney asked the Minister for Education whether a decision has been made regarding the proposals from the International Swimming Hall of Fame to locate its European headquarters with a 50 metre pool in Ireland; whether reports that the Minister responsible for sport has described the pool and its associated museum as financially unviable are accurate; if a 50 metre pool will be constructed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21192/96]

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 9, 36 and 52 together.

A number of proposals for the provision of a 50 metre pool are currently under consideration in my Department. These include the proposal from the International Swimming Hall of Fame and the feasibility study commissioned by my Department in June 1994. Kit Campbell Associates carried out this study which was completed in November 1994. Copies of the feasibility study are available from my Department and I will be happy to make copies available to Deputies on request.

The priority for the provision of a 50 metre pool is being examined by the sport strategy group which is due to report before the end of the year. A project of this scale requires careful consideration because of the serious implications for the Exchequer in terms of construction and running costs and the increasing demand for funding in respect of other sports facilities throughout the country.

My Department is satisfied that all the available evidence indicates that 50 metre pools do not operate at a profit and require substantial annual funding. Following receipt of the strategy group's report later this year I will be in a position to make recommendations to the Government on the question of the provision of a 50 metre pool.