Vol. 561 No. 6
100 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if funding is available for the refurbishment of the Dundrum family recreation centre pool as requested jointly by them and Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5074/03]
Under the local authority swimming pool programme, 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 advisors, the Office of Public Works, evaluate each stage. 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. This is 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.
A preliminary report has been submitted by Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council in respect of the proposed replacement of the pool in Dundrum. My Department has requested further information from the county council in connection with this proposal. The application will be considered further on receipt of this information.
