Billy Timmins
Question:331 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the position in relation to the funding application for a swimming pool at Greystones, County Wicklow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4310/03]
Written Answers. - Swimming Pool Projects.
Under the local authority swimming pool programme, 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 advisors, the Office of Public Works (OPW), 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 Wicklow County Council in respect of the proposal for a new swimming pool in Greystones is currently with the Office of Public Works for assessment. The proposal will be considered further, on completion of this assessment.