Vol. 513 No. 6
404 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation when he will meet with the Fingal swimming pool association in view of its extensive preparatory work in planning a public 25 metre swimming pool for north Fingal and the fact that research has shown that the project is viable on a site in Skerries; and the support, if any, his Department will give to this project. [3422/00]
Under the swimming pool programme which is administered by my Department, all proposals to build a swimming pool from bodies other than a local authority, must be submitted through the local authority concerned. Grant-aid of up to 80% of the cost of provision of a new swimming pool and modest ancillary facilities such as a toddler pool, sauna and steamroom are provided by my Department, subject of course, to the availability of funding under the programme.
While a feasibility study on the proposed pool was completed and submitted by Fingal Swimming Pool Association in October 1996, the local authority has not yet decided on a formal submission in accordance with the requirements of the programme. As I recently advised the association of the current position, I feel that a meeting at this time is not warranted.
