Vol. 562 No. 1
356 Mr. O'Dowd asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the reason for the delay since November 2002 in the processing of the application for a new swimming pool for Drogheda; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5215/03]
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 advisers, the Office of Public Works, Office of Public Works, evaluates 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 programme, grants of up to a maximum of €3.8 million 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.
In the case of the swimming pool in question, Drogheda Borough Council re-examined the design and funding proposals for the pool. The council submitted an addendum to the original preliminary report in respect of the Drogheda pool in early November and it was forwarded to the Office of Public Works for assessment. This documentation is currently being examined by the Office of Public Works and my Department is keeping in close contact with Office of Public Works on the matter. Once this assessment is complete, the proposal will be considered further.
