Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 July 2019
2506. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of publicly funded swimming pools; and the full capacity in terms of pool space and lessons of each by local authority and per capita. [34446/19]
View answerThe Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme (LASPP), as operated by my Department, provides grant aid to local authorities towards the capital costs of new swimming pools or the refurbishment of existing pools. To date 52 pools have been completed and three swimming pool projects remain in the current LASPP.
In relation to the future development of large sport infrastructure projects including swimming pools, the National Development Plan confirmed the establishment of a new Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF) with at least €100m available over the coming years. The new scheme opened for applications on 19th November 2018 and the closing date for applications was the 17th April 2019. Swimming pool projects are eligible under the scheme. Full details of all applications received, including those for swimming pools are available on the Department's website. Allocations under the LSSIF are expected later this year.
While my Department provides capital funding to local authorities for the construction of swimming pools, it has no role in the day to day arrangements for the operation of pools. Accordingly, my Department does not hold information in relation to lessons and other activities taking place in these pools.
