Vol. 562 No. 4
299 Mr. O'Connor asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he is working closely with South Dublin County Council to ensure that serious progress is made in respect of the proposed swimming pool facility in Tallaght west; if his attention has been drawn to the strong community support for this development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6083/03]
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 adviser, the 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 is capped at the time of allocation.
Under the swimming pool programme, grants of up to €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. Priority is given to projects based in RAPID areas. Support is available towards the cost of the swimming pool, toddler pool, sauna and steam room.
