I propose to take Questions Nos. 18, 51, 52, 59 and 72 together.
Government approval for the Sligo swimming pool project, for which a fixed grant of £1 million was allocated, was granted on the basis that the centre would be financially viable in its operation. It was subsequently found necessary, following discussions and correspondence with Sligo Corporation and with the Departments of Finance and the Environment, to commission a feasibility study in July, 1989 on aspects of cost-effective management, design, income and expenditure of all the proposed regional sports centres, including Sligo. This study was completed in September, 1989.
The outcome of the study was that the swimming pool, as an extension to the existing sports centre in the town, could achieve viability in its operation with an efficient design to facilitate cost-effective management supported by marketing and financial expertise.
Sligo Corporation recently submitted revised proposals to my Department for the appointment of consultants to undertake the planning of the project. I have had discussions with Sligo Corporation in the past week on all aspects of the planning and construction of the swimming pool project. I hope to complete those discussions in the very near future. In accordance with normal practice for such projects, payment of the grant will be made by my Department in instalments on foot of architects' building certificates as work proceeds. The grant of £1 million in this case has been fixed by Government, accordingly. It is not open to me to increase the approved amount.