Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 29 November 2023
82. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she can provide an update on a project (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52721/23]
View answerCapital funding for new swimming pools is currently being provided through the Department’s Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF). No application was received under the first call for LSSIF proposals for a new swimming pool in the location referenced.
The National Sports Policy, which was published in 2018, provided for the establishment of a LSSIF. The first call for proposals under the LSSIF closed in 2019 with applications confined to local authorities and National Governing Bodies (NGBs) of Sport. All applications were assessed in accordance with the published Evaluation Procedures and Guidelines and the first allocations were announced in January 2020. Thus far, approximately €86.4 million has been awarded to 33 different proposals. Eight of the 33 projects are swimming pool projects.
With regard to a possible new round of the LSSIF, Minister Martin and I are determined to see continued investment in sports facilities in order to ensure we achieve our ambitious targets for sports participation across the country. Accordingly, we will continue to engage with the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform on the funding required to underpin any new round.
