asked the Minister for Local Government when it is proposed to provide a swimming pool at Ballyfermot, Dublin.
63.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Ballyfermot (Dublin) Amenities.
62.
asked the Minister for Local Government whether a site is available for a community centre and assembly hall at Ballyfermot, Dublin; and, if so, when these amenities will be provided.
64.
asked the Minister for Local Government whether it is proposed to provide facilities for indoor recreation at Ballyfermot and Ballymun, Dublin; and, if so, when.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 62, 63 and 64 together.
No firm proposal has yet been submitted to me in regard to the provision of a swimming pool at Ballyfermot. As I explained in replies to previous questions by the Deputy this project is included in a general programme of swimming pools envisaged by the corporation. I understand that arrangements have been made for members of the corporation to inspect the new swimming pool at Longford early next month and I would be anxious to have a report on their views on the pool before arranging for discussions on their general programme.
As to the availability of a site in Ballyfermot for a community centre and assembly hall I would refer the Deputy to my reply to his question on the 9th June, 1965, in which I informed him that the corporation were prepared to make one of many sites available at a reasonable charge to a body proposing to provide an assembly hall at Ballyfermot. I understand that an application for the leasing of a site from a tenants association is at present under consideration. Apart from this proposal I have no information in regard to the provision of facilities for indoor recreation in Ballyfermot.
As regards Ballymun it is intended that the shopping and community centre to be built at Ballymun will incorporate a swimming pool, a gymnasium and meeting hall. The aim is that the new centre should be in operation on completion of the housing project.
In relation to Ballyfermot could the Minister say why it is taking the corporation so long to make a simple decision with regard to a site for a community centre and also why they refused to make available a site on a licensed basis for a temporary structure until the people concerned get a hall? There is no place in Ballyfermot where people can have a meeting. It sounds extraordinary, having regard to all the wasteland that is there, that a site cannot be provided.
I could not say offhand the cause of the delay. I can enquire.
Thanks very much.