Bernard J. Durkan
Question:166 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation the extent to which he will provide extra municipal swimming pools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2733/01]
Written Answers. - Swimming Pool Projects.
My Department has secured £45 million funding for an accelerated programme of investment over the three year period 2000-2002 in the refurbishment and provision of new pools under the local authority swimming pool programme. The package effectively increases the annual budget from £3 million per annum to £15 million over the three years.
Local authorities have been invited to submit proposals and a total of 51 such proposals were received in my Department by the closing date of 31 July 2000. In assessing these proposals I will be having particular regard to a report commissioned from sports facility specialists ILAM Limited on the condition of pools constructed by local authorities between 1996 and 1981 and their finding that 30 pools were in specific need of refurbishment.
Under the swimming pool programme grants of up to £3 million are available towards both the refurbishment of existing pools and the provision of new pools, subject in both cases to the total grant not exceeding 80% of the eligible cost of the project or, in the case of projects located in designated disadvantaged areas, 90% of the eligible cost. Support is available towards the swimming pool, toddler pool, sauna and steam room and ancillary accommodation that relates directly to the swimming pool. There are four stages in the approval process for a swimming pool project and my Department gives prompt consideration to progressing each proposal to the next stage, in the context of funding available.
Meanwhile construction of a full competition size 50 metre swimming pool with a grant of just under £6 million from my Department is progressing at Limerick University and the pool is scheduled for completion later this year.
The Government has more recently approved development of an aquatic and leisure centre at the Campus and Stadium Ireland site at Abbotstown, incorporating a full competition size 50 metre pool, with a view to completion in time for the Special Olympics which is being held in Dublin in 2003.