Vol. 560 No. 1
581 Mr. O'Connor asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if his Department is giving every support, advice and assistance in respect of proposals to develop a major swimming pool facility at Jobstown Park, Tallaght, Dublin 24; his views on whether this facility will be of huge advantage, particularly to the local communities in west Tallaght; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1530/03]
Under the local authority swimming pool programme, 2000-2002, which is administered by my Department, there are four stages in a swimming pool project following the submission of a feasibility study. These are, in order of progress: preliminary report, contract documents, tender and construction. My Department's technical advisors, 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 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. Priority is given to projects based in RAPID areas. Support is available towards the cost of the swimming pool, toddler pool, sauna and steam room.
The preliminary report submitted by South Dublin County Council in respect of the proposal for a new swimming pool in Jobstown was approved in October 2001. Jobstown has been designated as a RAPID area and this proposed swimming pool will provide a much needed facility for the local people. My Department is awaiting the submission of the contract documents for the project by the council. On receipt of this documentation the proposal will be considered further.
