Vol. 222 No. 3
asked the Minister for Local Government what is the present position regarding the provision of public or semi-public indoor swimming pools in Dublin; the number planned by the corporation and by private institutions or concerns; and if any are at the stage where Ministerial sanction is sought.
50.
asked the Minister for Local Government if he has received a request from the Irish Amateur Swimming Association to meet a deputation from that body to discuss the position with regard to the provision of swimming pools; if he will state in respect of how many pools plans have been lodged in his Department and are awaiting sanction; and if he will make a statement with regard to the present position of the proposed pool to be built by Dublin Corporation at Crumlin.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Question No. 49 and No. 50 together.
In Dublin city two swimming pools have recently been provided by private institutions with the aid of contributions from the local authority. These contributions will be subsidised by my Department. With regard to proposals for swimming pools in Crumlin and other areas, Dublin Corporation have submitted to my Department a design for a pool similar to the basic pool in size and plan but incorporating features which they feel are required for pools provided in heavily populated areas. I am having the design and costings of this pool examined. I understand the corporation propose to provide pools in six areas in addition to Crumlin. I am not aware of any further proposals from private institutions in Dublin city. Eight proposals for the provision of the basic indoor swimming pool, together with plans for eight other swimming pools outside of Dublin city, are under consideration in my Department.
I have received a request from the Irish Amateur Swimming Association to meet a deputation from that body to discuss the position with regard to the provision of swimming pools.
Could the Minister tell us when he received the request from the Irish Amateur Swimming Association to receive a deputation?
I have not got that information at the moment.
Is the Minister still of the opinion that a swimming pool such as suggested will fill the requirements of towns of larger population? It is important that the Irish Amateur Swimming Association should know whether the Minister thinks it proper that certain local authorities should have designs made for a certain size of swimming pool without any indication from the Minister as to whether he will agree to such design.
Can the Minister say when he proposes to meet the Association?
As soon as I have something useful to discuss with them.
Could the Minister let us know when he received the request to receive the depuation?
I have not that information here, but if the Deputy wishes it to be known that he has approached me on the matter on several occasions, that is a fact.
The Deputy is very disappointed that the Minister has not received this deputation.
The Deputy has made great efforts to have it received.
