Brian O'Shea
Question:16 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation the centres under consideration for the 50 metre swimming pool; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11769/99]
Ceisteanna–Questions. Priority Questions. - Swimming Pool Projects.
Ivor Callely
Question:34 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation the progress, if any, made on the proposals for a national 50 metre swimming pool in line with the commitment given in An Action Programme for the Millennium; the position regarding the High Court proceedings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11205/99]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 16 and 34 together.
I am not able to give the Deputy the name of the centres under consideration for the national swimming pool. The matter is currently in the courts, so I am not able to comment on it. I hope we will be able to proceed with the 50 metre swimming pool. It is listed in the courts as first on the list for next Wednesday. Depending on the result in the courts, I hope we will be able to proceed with the announcements.
Additional Information
The Government, in line with the commitment given in the joint programme, An Action Programme for the Millennium, decided in November 1997 to initiate a tender procedure to invite proposals for a national 50 metre swimming pool. 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. A project team was established by the Department to assist with the preparation of invitation to tender documentation and to oversee the tendering process. This team comprises representatives of a number of Departments and other organisations.
The tender procedure notice for the project was published in the Official Journal of the European Communities and in the Irish media in January 1998. The invitation was open to both the public and private sectors. The Department requested developers to come forward with proposals for the design, construction, financing and management of a 50 metre swimming pool, capable of meeting the training requirements of Ireland's high-performance swimmers for international competition. Such developers were required to demonstrate that they had the necessary financial status, technical knowledge and experience to undertake the development.
The Government has agreed to provide capital assistance, up to a maximum of £6 million, and annual operational assistance, up to a maximum of £250,000, for a maximum period of 20 years towards the cost of implementation of the successful tender. The deadline for submission of full tenders from qualified candidates was 27 November 1998, and three tender proposals were received on that date. Two tender proposals, one with a location in Dublin and the other in Limerick, were deemed by the project team overseeing the tender process with the assistance of independent professional consultants to have met the qualification criteria and these proposals have proceeded to the evaluation and assessment phase of the project.
However, on 18 January 1999 the other tenderer applied for and was given leave by the High Court to seek to have their disqualification set aside and their tender considered. The case is listed for hearing in the High Court on 12 May. Meanwhile, the detailed evaluation of the two remaining tenders is well advanced, but effectively stalled pending the outcome of the High Court case. The evaluation is being undertaken by an independent multi-disciplinary consultancy team which will produce a full technical assessment and evaluation report for the project team. The team will then report its findings and recommendations, following which I will present a memorandum to the Government on the matter. A timetable for the final decision and public announcement on the outcome is conditional, however, on the progress of the High Court proceedings.
I thank the Minister for his reply. I understand the constraints he is under. What will be the major factors for the final selection of a location for the pool?
An independent group, Kit Campbell, brought forward the initial report in 1994 and it has been dealing with all aspects of the tender process. The criteria for the building of a 50 metre pool were set out in advance. Those criteria are available from my Department. A 50 metre swimming pool is a facility for high performance athletes who have been deprived of such a facility since the foundation of the State. In the context of providing a facility for a high performance athlete, other matters are irrelevant.
Written Answers follow Adjournment Debate.