Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 12 May 1998

Vol. 490 No. 7

Written Answers. - Swimming Pool Projects.

Charles Flanagan

Question:

217 Mr. Flanagan asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation the number of community run 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 Tourism, Sport and Recreation (Dr. McDaid)

The Sports Capital Programme operated by my Department provides national lottery funding towards the provision of sports facilities at national, regional and local level. The programme currently comprises two schemes. The recreational facilities scheme assists voluntary community organisations in the provision of, improvements to, and equipping of recreational leisure and community facilities but excludes swimming pools and environmental works. The major facilities scheme is a multi-annual capital programme for major sports facilities at national, regional and local level. Under the major facilities scheme, proposals for funding for the construction of community swimming pools can only be considered where they form part of a major sports complex. As I have announced on previous occasions, both schemes are under review.

The Deputy will appreciate that where swimming pools form part of a major sports complex funded under the Sports Capital Programme the maintenance of the various facilities within the complex would be a matter for the promoters.

I understand that my colleague, the Minister for the Environment and Local Government, is dealing separately with the question of local authority swimming pools.