Vol. 516 No. 1
115 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation the progress, if any, with the approved international 50 metre swimming pool; the time schedule for opening; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7163/00]
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 inviting proposals for the design, financing, construction and management of a national 50 metre swimming pool. This tender procedure, which was conducted in accordance with EU Council Directive 93/37/EEC, concerning the co-ordination of procedures for the award of public works contracts, culminated, in July last year, with the selection of a proposal submitted by the University of Limerick to develop a 50 metre swimming pool on its campus.
The university's proposal is based on receiving a capital grant of £5.95 million and an operational subsidy of £190,000 per annum for 20 years. The swimming pool will form part of the university's multi-purpose sports building project, which is under construction, and is located close to the national coaching and training centre. My Department is finalising contractual details with the university which anticipates that the pool will be operational by end 2000.
