Fergus O'Dowd
Question:317 Mr. O'Dowd asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the situation regarding the new Letterkenny leisure centre, Sallaghraine, Letterkenny; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22302/02]
Written Answers. - Swimming Pool Projects.
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:318 Mr. O'Dowd asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his Department's latest update on funding for the new sports centre in Letterkenny, County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22304/02]
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:319 Mr. O'Dowd asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the position regarding his Department's allocation of money towards the new leisure centre in Letterkenny; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22306/02]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 317 to 319, inclusive, together.
Under the local authority swimming pool programme, which is administered by my Department, there are four stages in a swimming pool project following the submission and approval of a feasibility study. These in order of progress are preliminary report, contract documents, tender and construction. My Department's technical advisers, the Office of Public Works, 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 programme, grants of up to a maximum of €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 the project in question, Letterkenny Town Council has submitted a feasibility study-preliminary report in respect of Letterkenny leisure park. This documentation is being examined by the Office of Public Works. The proposal can only be considered further once this assessment has been completed. Contract documents were also received for this proposed facility in late September. However, these documents cannot be processed until the stage one documentation has been approved.
Under the national lottery funded sports capital programme operated by my Department, a grant of €2,539,476 was allocated to Letterkenny Town Council in 2000 in respect of the development of a regional sports centre. Based on documentation received from the town council, a grant of €378,910 was issued in May 2002. The balance of the grant will be paid on receipt of the certificates for payment from the town council.