Vol. 542 No. 2
481 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation the situation regarding Churchfield swimming pool; the proposed size of the replacement pool; the cost involved; when construction will commence; the approximate building time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24172/01]
In general there are four stages in a swimming pool project under the local authority swimming pool programme, 2000-02, which is administered by my Department. In order of progression, these stages are those of the preliminary report, the contract document, the tender and construction. The Department's technical adviser, the Office of Public Works, evaluates each stage and local authorities cannot proceed to the next stage of a project, unless prior approval issues from my Department.
Last December, I approved a preliminary report submitted to my Department in respect of a major refurbishment of the existing swimming pool. This approval allows the local authority to arrange the preparation of contract documentation for the project. Further consideration will be given to this proposal on receipt of this documentation. The proposed size of the adapted pool is 25 metres by 8 metres. While the estimated cost submitted at preliminary report stage was £5.4 million, 6.86 million, it is not possible to indicate up to date costs until tenders for the project have been received. As a number of other stages in the process must be completed before final approval is given to proceed with construction, it is not possible to be precise about a commencement date or an approximate building time for the project.
