Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 21 Oct 1998

Vol. 495 No. 5

Written Answers. - Swimming Pool Projects.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

159 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation the plans, if any, he has in relation to the provision of an Olympic size swimming pool; the preferred location for this pool; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20801/98]

Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation (Dr. McDaid)

The Government, in line with the commitment given in the joint programme, An Action Plan for the Millennium, to invite proposals for a national 50 metre swimming pool, decided in November 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 are 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 on the following day. The invitation was open to both the public and private sectors, and the location for proposals is a matter for individual developers. The Government has agreed depending, of course, on the actual proposal, to provide capital assistance, up to a maximum of £6 million, and annual operational assistance, up to a maximum of £250,000 towards cost of implementation of the successful tender.

The deadline for submission of full tender proposals from qualified candidates is set for 27 November 1998, following which a detailed evaluation process will be undertaken. It is expected that the successful tenderer will be identified early in the new year.