asked the Minister for Local Government the position in regard to the provision by the Birr Development Company of the proposed new swimming pool in Birr, County Offaly; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Birr (Offaly) Swimming Pool.
96.
I am already committed to the provision of loan capital towards financing the building of swimming pools in 11 centres. Due to the demands on available capital resources for essential requirements such as housing and water and sewerage schemes. I would not feel justified in taking on any further commitments in respect of pools until reasonable progress has been made with the pools already authorised.
Surely the Minister is aware that in recent times his Department have encouraged local authorities and development associations to proceed with plans for swimming pools on the basis that money would now be available? This having been borne in mind by the people of Birr, they proceeded with plans with the result that they have quite a substantial amount of money on hands from local contributions but now they are told that money is not available from the Department. Can the Minister say if sufficient money will be made available after 1st April next?
I do not intend to release any more money for swimming pools until such time as a significant amount of the money already allocated has been spent. At present, I have definite commitments in respect of 11 pools to the extent of £373,000 and tentative commitments for £65,000 making a total of £438,000 in respect of swimming pools. In view of the demand for capital for other essential purposes I consider that amount to be a sufficient commitment to carry for this purpose.
In view of the fact that this committee has been formed since 1954 and that they have raised the necessary money to qualify for a grant, does the Minister not consider that the money should be allocated to them as soon as possible? They were told that if they raised 25 per cent of the cost they would get the money and as I have said, they now have the necessary amount. Every year, as the Minister is aware, lives are lost because of the inability of people to swim when they go to the seaside. Therefore, I consider that this matter should be given priority by this House.
In my opinion, none of these factors would justify giving it priority over, for instance, the water supply scheme that Deputy Donegan referred to a short time ago.
Is it not a fact that very substantial grants have been given towards swimming pools in districts that are convenient to the seaside? Birr is one of the most inland towns in Ireland. Surely, therefore, some consideration should have been given to the town over other areas that are convenient to the seaside?
All these things will be taken into consideration when more money is being made available and when a significant amount of the money already allocated has been used.
In view of the length of time that this matter has been in the hands of the Department, has the Minister nothing further to add?
I have told the Deputy that in competition with essential water and sewerage schemes I do not propose to authorise any further expenditure on swimming pools until such time as a certain amount of money already permitted has been expended.
Cannot the Minister say he has scrapped the swimming pool grants?
That would be the type of comment I would expect from Deputy Flanagan, but it is not correct.
I want to convey a clear, correct picture to the parties concerned. The Minister is hedging from year to year.
The swimming pools are not going to get any immediate help.
The position is that Birr is so far inland that there is no available water supply for swimming.
The nearest swimming place would be the River Shannon, 15 miles away. There is no place available for swimming at all and this presents a problem for parents bringing children to the seaside in the summer. It is a hazard for children to visit the seaside from an inland town or outlying country area because these children are unable to swim. Tuam is the nearest town with a swimming pool. I realise that the Minister has priorities with regard to water and sewerage but I would ask him to give consideration to the provision of swimming pools.
The location of Birr is not the deciding factor. The fact is that £438,000 was committed for this purpose. In circumstances when there is urgent need for the extension of water and sewerage supplies and when there are grave housing needs, I consider that this sum is sufficient allocation for swimming pools at the present time.