Vol. 568 No. 1
472 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the position regarding the funding of the swimming pool in Monaghan town; his views on whether a new pool on the existing site is essential and the best way forward; when the project is likely to get the go ahead; when funding will be available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16078/03]
The local authority swimming pool programme is administered by my Department. Under this scheme, following the submission of a feasibility study, there are four stages in a project. These are: preliminary report; contract documents; tender and construction. The Office of Public Works is my Department's technical advisor. It evaluates each stage. 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 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 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.
Applications under the current programme closed at the end of July 2000. Last February, in view of the special circumstances involved arising from the enforced closure of Monaghan's only local authority pool, I allowed the local authority to submit a proposal for a pool under the current programme. A feasibility study, representing the initial phase in the process, has been submitted by Monaghan Town Council and is under consideration in my Department. It not possible to indicate when the various stages in the process will be completed. The location of the pool is a matter for the local authority.
