Vol. 559 No. 6
162 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the funding which will be available for Monaghan town swimming pool; when he will allow the project to go to planning and construction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26991/02]
As I explained in a response to Parliamentary Question No. 233, reference No. 21845/02, on 13 November, 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 document; tender and construction. My Department's technical advisors, 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 local authority swimming pool 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 a swimming pool, toddler pool, sauna and steam room.
My Department has received a feasibility study for a proposed swimming pool in Monaghan. Unfortunately, this proposal was received after the closing date set for the current local authority swimming pool programme which was 31 July 2000. Recently I met a delegation in relation to this matter and I am considering the issues raised at the meeting. I will be in contact again with those associated with the Monaghan project as soon as my consideration of the issues involved has been completed.
