Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 3 Feb 2000

Vol. 513 No. 5

Written Answers. - Swimming Pool Projects.

David Stanton

Question:

20 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation the last time he has visited Cobh, County Cork in his capacity as Minister; the plans, if any, he has to visit the town in the next six months; if his attention has been drawn to the plans to build a swimming pool in the town; if he will make financial assistance available in order that a swimming pool can be constructed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2861/00]

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

I recently met a delegation from Cobh UDC in Cork, to discuss the provision of a swimming pool in Cobh.

There are at present 12 proposals in my Department, including one in respect of Cobh, to build new swimming pools. Prior to approving any project, consideration will be given to a number of issues such as, the need for a swimming pool in an area; the suitability of the proposed site; future viability of the project, particularly in relation to operational and maintenance issues; construction and operating standards of existing facilities; a satisfactory financial plan and the need to achieve an equitable geographical spread of funds.

Following the granting of approval by the Department of the Environment and Local Government of preliminary proposals to construct a new swimming pool in Cobh, detailed contract documents were prepared by Cobh UDC. These documents are currently being examined by the Department's technical advisers. On completion of this process, which is likely to be completed shortly, my Department will then consider if the project can be progressed to the stage where the UDC can be allowed to seek tenders for the pool. This decision will made in the context of the availability of funds for the pool programme.