The Deputy will, of course, be aware that in June 1994, the Department of Education commissioned a feasibility study to examine all the options for the provision of a national 50 metre swimming pool complex to cater for the training needs of Ireland's swimmers and for national and international competitions in addition to serving as a community facility. As the Deputy will be aware the feasibility report was completed in November 1994. The Dublin International Sports Council's proposals for a 50 metre swimming pool complex are being considered in the context of my Department's examination of the feasibility study.
The authors of the feasibility study recommend a swimming pool-leisure complex costing an estimated £17 million. Obviously a project of this scale requires very careful and detailed consideration before any decision can be made in the matter in view of the overall capital and operating costs involved. Because of its implications for Exchequer funding. I am not in a position to say at this stage when a decision about the project can be made.