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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 7 Jun 2000

Vol. 520 No. 4

Written Answers. - Swimming Pool Projects.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

212 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation the plans, if any, he has for the encouragement of swimming, with particular reference to the strategic location of swimming pools throughout the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16085/00]

One of the functions of the Irish Sports Council, which was established as a statutory body on 1 July 1999, is to develop strategies for increasing participation in recreational sport and to co-ordinate their implementation by all the bodies involved in promoting recreational sport and providing recreational facilities.

As regards the strategic planning of swimming pools, I fully agree that the provision of swimming facilities must be done in a planned and focused manner. However, it is the responsibility of each local authority to identify the specific swimming requirements of their area and to formulate proposals based on these needs.
As the Deputy is probably aware, funding for the refurbishment and provision of local authority swimming pools has been increased from £3 million per annum to £15 million per annum for the three years 2000-02. Prior to securing this additional funding, my Department commissioned ILAM (Ireland) to prepare a report on the condition of local authority pools built between 1966 and 1981. Thirty pools around the country were identified as being in need of refurbishment and the relevant local authorities have been invited to submit proposals to refurbish these pools.

David Stanton

Question:

213 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation the swimming pool development proposals currently being considered by his Department; the decisions taken in the last two years to grant aid swimming pool development and construction; if he will make funding available before the end of 2000 in order to build a new swimming pool in Cobh, County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16104/00]

There are at present proposals from local authorities to build ten new pools and to refurbish six existing pools under consideration in my Department. Grant aid in excess of £16 million has been allocated to a further nine projects over the last two years.

As regards the proposal to build a new pool in Cobh, contract documents for the pool in Cobh have been examined by the Office of Public Works. My Department will be in contact with Cobh UDC shortly.

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