Skip to main content
Normal View

Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 26 Feb 2003

Vol. 562 No. 2

Ceisteanna – Questions (Resumed). Priority Questions. - Swimming Pool Projects.

Martin Ferris

Question:

108 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his views on the effect which the cut in funding for the provision and renovation of swimming pools is having on communities throughout the State. [5922/03]

The Abridged Estimates for 2003 provide an amount of €9 million for expenditure this year under the local authority swimming pool programme. When compared with €3.9 million expended under the programme in 2002, the 2003 allocation of €9 million represents a 130% increase on the previous year's expenditure.

The 2003 provision is regarded as sufficient to meet the anticipated demand for funding, given the pattern of drawdown to date in this multi-annual programme. Expenditure this year, to end January, has been €53,000.

Does the Minister agree that the 41% cut in the capital provision of the building and renovation costs of swimming pools is already having a detrimental effect on communities? Does he not agree that given these circumstances it is the height of pretence to be building a 50m pool? While I welcome and support the planned 50m pool and recognise the benefits it will have for developing the potential of the Gary O'Tooles and Michelle Smiths of the future, in some areas young people are being denied the opportunity to swim because there are no pools in their area or because the existing ones are closed due to renovation. In some cases the necessary funds are not there to carry out these renovations. Is that not a contradiction in terms?

Does the Minister agree that a swimming pool is no longer a luxury but an essential amenity for communities? Local communities and sporting bodies are working together to provide recreational facilities which are a vital outlet for the energies, talents and abilities of young people. Such interests provide a bulwark against anti-social activities.

I agree with Deputy Ferris that it is desirable that swimming pools be available to young people, and, indeed, not so young people. Swimming is a tremendous recreational outlet.

I do not know where the Deputy gets his figure of a 41% cut. As I outlined, the actual amount allocated for swimming pools this year is 130% more than last year. During the years 2000-02, the amount of expenditure in all three years was less than the amount of the Estimate. In the year 2000, the Estimate was €19.3 million but expenditure was only €7.4 million. In 2001, the Estimate was €14.6 million while the actual expenditure was only €8.1 million. In 2002 the Estimate was €15.3 million while the expenditure was €3.9 million. In 2003 to date the expenditure has only been of the order of €53,000. The Estimate for 2003 is 130% higher than the actual expenditure in 2002. The expenditure in 2002 was €3.9 million and the Estimate this year is €9 million.

There are complex reasons for this. Various procedures are involved in the construction or refurbishment of a swimming pool which, of necessity, require a lot of time. All of the applications which were approved prior to July of 2000 are under consideration and are at various stages of progress. Unfortunately, I cannot progress them any further than their current stage. In many instances it is up to the applicants to progress the project to the next stage. I know the Deputy will be pleased to hear that the works at the Tralee Aquadome have been completed and the grant of €86,000 has been paid.

Question No. 109 answered with Question No. 107.

Top
Share