Vol. 561 No. 1
313 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he has received an application from Wicklow County Council or Bray Town Council for a swimming pool in Bray; if so, when it will be sanctioned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4092/03]
314 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the position with regard to an application from Bray Town Council for a swimming pool for Bray, County Wicklow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3577/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 313 and 314 together.
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, in order of progress, are preliminary report, contract documents, tender and construction. My Department's technical advisers, 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 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. Support is available towards the cost of the swimming pool, toddler pool, sauna and steam room.
The feasibility study submitted by Bray Town Council in respect of the proposal for a new swimming pool in Bray is currently with the Office of Public Works for assessment. The proposal will be considered further on completion of this assessment.
