Pádraic McCormack
Question:257 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation the position regarding the plans for the building of a 50 metre swimming pool; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13074/98]
Written Answers. - Swimming Pool Projects.
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, the Government decided in December 1997 to initiate a tender procedure to invite such proposals. The tender procedure is being conducted in line with procedures set out in EU Council Directive 93/37/EEC. The tender procedure notice for the project was published in the Official Journal of the European Communities on Wednesday, 21 January 1998, and in the Irish media on the following day. The invitation was open to both the public and private sectors.
Developers were requested to come forward with proposals for the design, construction, financing and management of a 50 metre swimming pool, capable primarily of meeting the training requirements of Ireland's high performance swimmers for international competition. They were also required to demonstrate that they had the necessary financial status, technical knowledge and experience to undertake the project. The final date for receipt of candidatures was 5 March 1998.
Invitation to Tender, ITT, documentation, including a comprehensive project brief, issued to nine qualified candidates on 26 March, inviting them to prepare full tender submissions for the project. The Department has advised candidates that the draft contract-legal agreement for the project is currently being finalised and will not be available for a number of weeks yet. It is not possible at this stage, therefore, to say precisely when a final decision will be made. It is anticipated that the construction phase of the project will be 15 months from the date of any agreement, although a longer period will be considered in the light of submitted proposals.