Vol. 561 No. 1
205 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Defence if agreement has been reached with the overholders on the Curragh Camp complex; the advancement which has been made in negotiations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3192/03]
My Department is continuing to examine all options, including affordable housing and voluntary and co-op housing schemes, in relation to the re-housing of those overholders who would in the normal way be eligible for local authority housing. Meetings have been held between my Department and the overholders as well as with Kildare County Council.
In cases where houses have been offered for sale to overholders, the Department has requested the co-operation of Kildare County Council in ensuring that mortgages are made available to eligible applicants. The Department will be in further contact with the overholders in due course.
206 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Defence the position regarding the Curragh swimming pool and the availability of same to the schools and swimming clubs of the area; if the pool is now available to such schools and clubs; if not, the timescale of such a proposal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3193/03]
The Curragh swimming pool is being made available to local schools and, to date, all schools that have applied to use the pool have been facilitated. At present, the pool is open each weekday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is intended to further expand the use of the facility as soon as possible and arrangements will then be made to permit local swimming clubs to use the pool.
