Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 April 2004
166 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the funding available for the next round of the local authority swimming pool programme; when he will announce successful applicants for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10621/04]
View answerAs I indicated to the Deputy in my reply of 30 March last, the closing date for receipt of applications under the current round of the local authority swimming pool programme was 31 July 2000 and 55 proposals have or are being dealt with under the programme.
Due to the large number of pools still being processed and taking into account the funding which has been set aside for the programme, it is not proposed to reopen the pool programme at present. However, an expenditure review which is due to be completed by mid-2004 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 and what amendments, if any, are required to ensure the effective and efficient delivery of the programme. The question of reopening the programme can be considered following the completion of that review. The provision in my Department's Estimates for the programme for this year is €15 million.
