Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 May 2004
133 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Defence the plans his Department has to open up recreational facilities at Army locations, that is, swimming pools, squash courts, soccer and GAA pitches, and so on to interested groups within such areas and in which such facilities are in demand; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14191/04]
View answer134 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Defence the position regarding applications by swimming clubs and schools to use the facilities at the Curragh swimming pool; if all the swimming clubs of the area can be facilitated at the pool; if all of the schools can be facilitated at the pool; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14300/04]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 133 and 134 together.
It is the policy to allow military sports facilities to be used by local community-based groups and clubs subject to prior requirements of the Defence Forces. Such facilities, which are located throughout the country, are extensively used by such groups. With regard to the Curragh swimming pool, which is the only such facility located in a military complex, the position, at present, is that schools based in the local area are being allowed to use the facility. It is intended to further expand the use of this resource as soon as possible and arrangements will then be made to permit local swimming clubs to use the pool.
