David Stanton
Question:137 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism when he will announce the public swimming pool programme for 2004; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6100/04]
View answerWednesday, 25 February 2004
Questions (53)
Written answers
As I indicated in my reply to the Deputy on 18 December 2003, the closing date for receipt of applications under the current round of the local authority swimming pool programme was 31 July 2000. Of the 55 applications for funding, 11 projects have been completed, seven are under construction and 37 are at one of the three principal pre-construction stages of the approval process. Of these 37, two are at tender stage, 20 are at contract document stage and 15 are at the preliminary report stage. Three projects under the programme were recently approved to go to construction, in Churchfield, Cork City, Tuam, County Galway and Ballymun in Dublin city.
Because of the large number of applications still being processed, it is not proposed to re-open the pool programme at present. However, an expenditure review is being carried out on the programme and this review is examining, among other things, how the programme has worked to date, the benefits which have accrued to the areas where pools have been built through the existing programme and what amendments, if any, are required to ensure the effective and efficient delivery of the programme. It is envisaged that the review will be completed by mid-2004.