Vol. 574 No. 3
194 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will approve the contract documents in respect of the replacement of Naas swimming pool, County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27019/03]
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 Departments technical advisers, the Office of Public Works, 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.
The maximum grant available under the programme is €3.8 million, subject 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. Grant aid is allocated only when tenders have been approved for the project and the grant amount is capped at the time of allocation. Support is available towards the cost of the swimming pool, toddler pool, sauna and steam room.
195 Mr. McHugh asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism when he will approve the tender for Tuam swimming pool; when he will sanction same to proceed to construction stage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27079/03]
My Department administers the local authority swimming pool programme. There are four stages in a project following the submission of a feasibility study, preliminary report, contract documents, tender and construction. My Department's technical advisors, the Office of Public Works, evaluate each stage. Local authorities cannot proceed to the next stage of a project unless prior approval issues from my Department.
The maximum grant available under the programme is €3.8 million, subject 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. Grant aid is allocated only when tenders have been approved for the project and the grant amount is capped at the time of allocation. Support is available towards the cost of the swimming pool, toddler pool, sauna and steam room.
Galway County Council applied for grant aid under the local authority swimming pool programme for a replacement pool in Tuam. The preliminary report for the project was approved in December 2000. It allowed the council to have the detailed contract documents prepared. They were received in February and approved in March thus allowing the council to invite tenders. Last month my Department received the tender documentation and it is now under consideration.
