asked the Minister for Local Government the present position regarding the provision of a swimming pool at Birr, County Offaly; when he expects that the pool will be ready for use; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Questions—Ceisteanna. Oral Answers. - Birr (Offaly) Swimming Pool.
70.
Plans for this pool, received in my Department from Offaly County Council on 11th May, 1971, are under examination and a decision thereon will issue shortly. While I have no information as to when the pool, which is being provided by a local committee and is partially built, will be ready for use, I trust that the project will be completed as soon as possible.
Could the Minister let us know why there is such delay in dealing with these plans?
There were technical difficulties in relation to the design and the estimates of the cost of the super-structure. However, the Deputy need not have any great worry, as these have been sorted out.
It was hoped that the pool would be available towards the end of last summer. Now the people of Birr and the surrounding areas are hoping it will be ready for use within the next month or six weeks. Is there a possibility that it will be ready within that time?
I would not care to give a guess as to when it will be ready for use.
Would the Minister make a promise that he will take special note of this pool?
Everyone knows I take special interest in swimming pools and the Deputy does not have to ask me to make promises in that regard.
I can assure the Minister I will be back to see whether he is fulfilling them.