Vol. 568 No. 3
75 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the progress towards the provision of opening swimming pools in Youghal and Cobh respectively; the amount of money available in 2003 for these projects; when he expects these projects to commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16348/03]
Under the local authority swimming pool programme, which is administered by my Department, 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. Following the submission and approval of an initial feasibility study, there are four stages in a swimming pool project. These, in order of progress, are preliminary report, contract documents, tender and construction. My Department's technical advisors, 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. The application submitted by Cobh Town Council for a new swimming pool is currently under evaluation at tender stage. On the advice of the technical advisors in the Office of Public Works, my Department has sought details in relation to the pool operator so as to be satisfied that all operator requirements are incorporated in the tender documentation prior to approval. On receipt of this information, the proposal will be considered further. In the case of Youghal, I approved the contracts documents submitted by Youghal Town Council for a new swimming pool in March last. It is now open to the Council to seek tenders for the proposed works.
Question No. 76 answered with Question No. 2.
