Vol. 560 No. 2
53 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the position regarding Monaghan swimming pool; if funding will be made available for the pool to go for construction in 2003; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2216/03]
As indicated in my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 162 of 18 December 2002, 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. These are subject 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.
