Vol. 487 No. 1
49 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation if he has expressed a preference for the location of the 50 metre swimming pool which he has submitted to the private sector for tender; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3308/98]
59 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation the progress being made for the provision of a 50 metre Olympic standard swimming pool. [3462/98]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 49 and 59 together.
The Government, in line with the commitment given in its joint programme An Action Plan for the Millennium, to invite proposals for a national 50 metre swimming pool, decided late last year to initiate a tender procedure to invite such proposals. The tender procedure is being conducted in accordance with EU Council Directive 93/37/EEC, concerning the co-ordination of procedures for the award of public works contracts. Under Article 22 of the Directive, candidates will be selected for invitation to tender from among those qualified in accordance with Articles 24 to 29 thereof. These requirements were outlined in the Tender Procedure Notice for the project which was published in the Official Journal of the European Communities on Wednesday, 21 January 1998, and in the Irish media the following day. The invitation is open to both the public and private sectors.
My Department is requesting developers to come forward with proposals for the design, construction, financing and management of a 50 metre swimming pool, capable of meeting the training requirements of Ireland's high-performance swimmers for international competition. Such developers will be required to demonstrate that they have the necessary financial status, technical knowledge and experience to undertake the development. The final date for receipt of candidatures is 5 March 1998, and invitation to tender documentation will issue to qualified candidates on 26 March.
On the question of location proposals from all parts of the country will be considered, provided they meet all relevant requirements, which will be set out in the invitation to tender documentation.
