Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 16 Dec 1998

Vol. 498 No. 5

Written Answers. - Swimming Pool Projects.

David Stanton

Question:

197 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation if his Department has received an application for grant support towards the construction of a new swimming pool in Cobh, County Cork; the cost of the project; the amount of local contribution available; his views on the project; if he will support the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27929/98]

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

Contract documents for the proposed new pool in Cobh, are currently under examination by my Department's technical advisers. The estimated cost of this project is £2.3 million and I understand £600,000 has been raised locally towards the project.

I am aware of the strong local support for a new pool in Cobh. However, the total provision in this year's Estimates of £4 million for the construction and refurbishment of swimming pools, is fully committed to projects under construction or to projects already approved and on which work is expected to commence shortly. These projects also give rise to commitments of some £6 million in 1999 and subsequent years. In addition, there are over £40 million worth of projects including Cobh — at various stages of planning, which are also seeking funding. Therefore, as formal approval of contract documents and permission to go to tender can only be given when the necessary funding, for the project is available, I cannot give approval at this time, to the proposals for a new pool in Cobh.