Niall Blaney
Question:353 Mr. Blaney asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the expected completion date for the sports complex at Sallaghagraine, Letterkenny, County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26463/03]
Written Answers. - Sport and Recreational Development.
Niall Blaney
Question:354 Mr. Blaney asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if the sports complex project at Sallaghagraine, Letterkenny, County Donegal, will receive funding in the near future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26464/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 353 and 354 together.
A grant of €2,539,476 was allocated to Letterkenny Town Council under the 2000 sports capital programme, administered by my Department, towards the provision of a sports centre in the town. To date €378,910 of this grant has been paid in respect of enabling works at the site.
Letterkenny Town Council has also applied to my Department for funding towards the replacement of a swimming pool in Letterkenny to be part of the overall sports complex. 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.
In relation to the Letterkenny swimming pool application, the situation is that the preliminary report has been approved and, as provided for under the terms of the programme, the contract documents are now being assessed by my Department's technical advisers, the Office of Public Works.
My Department is endeavouring to administer the available grants in a manner which will ensure that the sport and leisure centre can be progressed on an integrated basis. In that regard, my Department is awaiting from Letterkenny Town Council updated details of its financial package for the completion of this overall development, upon receipt of which the project will be further considered.