Phil Hogan
Question:252 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism when the necessary finance will be sanctioned for the provision of a new swimming pool at Kilkenny city. [19167/02]
Written Answers. - Swimming Pool Projects.
Under the local authority swimming pool programme, 2000-02, which is administered by my Department, there are four stages in a swimming pool project following the submission of a feasibility study. These, in order of progress, are a preliminary report, contract documents, tender and construction. My 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. Grant aid is allocated only when tenders have been received for the project and will be capped at the time of allocation.
Kilkenny Borough Corporation has submitted a preliminary report in respect of the proposed new pool in Kilkenny. This report was recently returned from the Office of Public Works following its assessment and the proposal is currently being considered further by my Department. On completion of this consideration, my Department will be in contact with Kilkenny Borough Corporation.