Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 12 May 1998

Vol. 490 No. 7

Written Answers. - Swimming Pool Projects.

Charles Flanagan

Question:

186 Mr. Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the number of local authority swimming pools in the midland area, with particular reference to counties Longford, Westmeath, Offaly and Laois; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that many pools in the midlands require extensive renovation and considerable outlay regarding maintenance and upkeep; his view on the fact that swimming pools in the region offer a swimming facility to the community to which there is no alternative having regard to the distance to the coast and seaside resorts; if consideration will be given by his Department towards prioritising the maintenance, upkeep and refurbishing of swimming pools in the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11175/98]

Minister for the Environment and Local Government (Mr. Dempsey)

There are ten swimming pools in the four midland counties referred to by the Deputy, which are operated either by local authorities or by voluntary associations supported by local authorities. Grant aid has been allocated to four of these pools in recent years and in the case of five others there are proposals for refurbishment or replacement before my Department.

There is a provision of £4 million in my Department's Vote for 1998 for the construction and refurbishment of swimming pools. This provision is fully committed to projects under construction or fully approved and on which work will commence later in the year.

In addition, a total of nine refurbishment projects and 15 new pools projects, including the five proposals related to pools in the midlands, are currently before my Department awaiting approval. These projects, which are at various stages of planning, are estimated to cost over £44 million. Having regard to the high level of demand for funding for swimming pool proposals generally, it is not possible to indicate when funding will be available to advance the midland counties projects.

I have no funds at my disposal from which grants could be made towards the day to day operation and maintenance of swimming pools.