Fergus O'Dowd
Question:388 Mr. O'Dowd asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the position with regard to the proposed new swimming pool for Drogheda. [11537/03]
Written Answers. - Swimming Pool Projects.
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:398 Mr. O'Dowd asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if Drogheda swimming pool will receive funding from his Department in 2003; and if not, the financial commitment his Department will give to this project for 2004. [12412/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 388 and 398 together.
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, 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 programme, grants of up to a maximum of €3.8 million are available towards either the refurbishment of existing pools or the provision of a new pool, subject in either case 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.
Last month I approved the revised preliminary report submitted by Drogheda Borough Council for a replacement swimming pool in Drogheda. This approval will allow the council to prepare the contract documents for the work proposed. It is a matter for Drogheda Borough Council to progress this matter and on receipt of the contract documentation, the proposal will be considered further by my Department.