Swimming Pool Projects

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 May 2013

Tuesday, 21 May 2013

Questions (708)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

708. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to the fact that communities such as Carrickmacross, County Monaghan are eager that their towns develop public swimming pools with ancillary facilities; if he will launch a new local authority swimming pool programme; when he will announce details of same; the bodies that will be in a position to apply for such funding; the format the programme is expected to take; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23792/13]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Michael Ring)

The current round of the Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme was closed to new applicants on 31 July 2000 and no application was made in respect of a public swimming pool for Carrickmacross before that date.

Under the current round of the Programme 58 applications were received, of which 47 projects have been completed and opened to the public, and 11 other projects are at various stages of development.  The priority now is to work with the relevant Local Authorities in completing the remaining 11 pool projects, which are included in the current round. 

No decision has been taken on the timing of a new round of the Programme. If the Programme re-opens it would be open to each Local Authority, including Monaghan County Council on behalf of Carrickmacross, to submit an application under the terms that would apply at that time.