Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 6 Nov 2002

Vol. 556 No. 4

Written Answers. - Swimming Pool Projects.

David Stanton

Question:

173 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the total cost of the proposed swimming pool to be built in Cobh, County Cork; the amount of money which has been promised by the Government towards the building of the swimming pool; the amount which is available locally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20659/02]

Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism (Mr. O'Donoghue)

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 preliminary report, contract documents, tender and construction. My Department's technical advisers at the Office of Public Works evaluate 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 approved for the project and will be capped at the time of allocation.

Under the swimming pool programme, grants of up to €3,809,214 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 cost of the swimming pool, toddler pool, sauna and steam room. In the case of Cobh swimming pool, contract documents have been approved and further information has been requested from Cobh town council in relation to the tenders submitted for the project. The proposal will be considered further on receipt of this additional information. Cobh town council advised the Department earlier this year that the total estimated cost of the Cobh swimming pool project is €7,640,310. The council proposes to provide the balance of funding for the project.