Swimming Pool Projects

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 January 2016

Wednesday, 13 January 2016

Questions (936)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

936. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of negotiations between his Department, Kildare County Council, the National University of Ireland, Maynooth and the local community on the provision of swimming pool facilities in the Maynooth, Leixlip and Celbridge areas of north County Kildare; if he can indicate the likely final and acceptable solution; if he expects to see progress in the near future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1269/16]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport

Under the Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme grant aid to a maximum of €3.8 million is provided to local authorities towards the capital costs of new swimming pools or the refurbishment of existing pools. The current round of the Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme was closed to new applicants on 31 July 2000. Since 2000, 58 projects have or are being dealt with under the Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme of which 50 have been completed and the other 8 projects are at various stages of the Programme. I wish to commence the process of opening a new limited round of swimming pool allocations and I have asked my departmental officials to report back to me on this matter.

As the Deputy is aware, I met with Kildare County Council and a number of public representatives, including Deputy Durkan, in mid July. It was agreed that Kildare County Council would write to my Department on the matter but no submission has yet been received.