Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 30 Oct 1996

Vol. 470 No. 7

Written Answers. - Carrick-on-Shannon (Leitrim) Swimming Pool.

Declan Bree

Ceist:

130 Mr. Bree asked the Minister for the Environment if he has received a proposal from Leitrim County Council for the provision of a 25 metre public indoor swimming pool for Carrick-on-Shannon; his views on whether Carrick-on-Shannon, being the largest town in Leitrim, should have this essential public facility; the funding, if any, which is available for such a proposal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19691/96]

Minister for the Environment (Mr. Howlin)

There is no proposal from Leitrim County Council before my Department at present for the provision of a swimming pool at Carrick-on-Shannon.

Under present financial arrangements, capital grants of up to 80 per cent of the approved costs of new swimming pools provided by local authorities, or by voluntary organisations in co-operation with local authorities, are available from my Department. My Department is also prepared to allow up to 80 per cent of the costs of providing certain ancillary facilities in new pools for grant purposes. The balance of costs must be met by way of local contribution.

A provision of £2.5 million is available in my Department's Vote for 1996 for grants towards the provision and refurbishment of swimming pools. This provision is fully committed to projects under construction or fully approved and on which work is expected to commence this year.