A Cheann Comhairle, thank you for allowing me to raise this matter on the Adjournment. It is disappointing to hear that Ballinasloe swimming pool is to remain closed for at least three months following damage caused to its roof by high winds a week ago. A consultant engineer has carried out an inspection of the pool on behalf of Ballinasloe Urban District Council and the report is available – perhaps the Minister has that report. I understand there are serious safety implications for Ballinasloe UDC because of the condition of the pool. Irrespective of the consultant's report, the local engineer stated that the pool will remain closed for at least three months.
Ballinasloe swimming pool opened in 1972 and approximately 100,000 people use it annually. It is very popular with school children, many of whom are involved in local and national competitions. The closure is disappointing for everyone who uses the pool, including me, – I use the pool as often as I can – but it is particularly disappointing for those swimmers who train for national competitions. The pool, as the Minister will be aware, was used to launch the Connacht special olympics. Indeed, I would hope that Ballinasloe could be used as a centre when Ireland hosts the Special Olympics.
Last year when the issue of swimming pools was debated in the Dáil, I mentioned in particular the case for a new pool at Loughrea and refurbishment of the pools at Ballinasloe and Tuam, and the Ballinasloe pool was put on a list for refurbishment under a public private partnership proposal. I would like to know the present position in that regard.
In 1993, a study carried out on the future development of Ballinasloe swimming pool highlighted certain defects in the building, including the condition of the roof. The report stated that the existing steel work was corroding with rust and that it must be replaced. I have heard figures of £378,000 and £650,000 suggested to carry out the necessary refurbishment to keep the pool in operation without providing any new amenities. In fact, it was estimated in 1993 that to provide additional facilities, such as a children's pool, fitness suite and an aerobics gym, would cost £1.1 million. Perhaps the Minister can give us some detail on a new public private partnership arrangement for a new pool at Ballinasloe. The people of Ballinasloe are most anxious to have the existing pool re-opened.
Swimming is one of the best ways to keep fit and this is one of the reasons adult clubs also use the swimming pool, particularly women's groups and organisations like Macra na Feirme. There is provision for special olympic facilities on Sunday mornings also and the pool serves the people of south Roscommon and east Galway as well as the local people.
I call for action on Ballinasloe swimming pool. If matters are left in limbo, it will be more difficult to re-open the pool and that will be very disappointing for the people who use it.