Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 28 May 2003

Vol. 567 No. 6

Written Answers. - Swimming Pool Projects.

Jack Wall

Question:

184 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the position regarding funding for the refurbishment of Athy and Naas swimming pools; the timescale in regard to such refurbishments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14922/03]

Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism (Mr. O'Donoghue)

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 and approval of a feasibility study. These, in order of progress are, preliminary report, contract document, 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 is capped at the time of allocation. Proposals must comply with the standards laid down in the Department's procedures for the planning, approval and financing of swimming pools and technical guidelines.

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 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.

The local authority in Kildare has applied for funding towards the replacement of swimming pools in Athy and Naas. The preliminary reports have been approved and the contract documents for both projects are under consideration.