Vol. 495 No. 5
41 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation the number of swimming pools located throughout the country; the number of these pools currently in operation; the number of pools under construction; the areas earmarked for new swimming pools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20586/98]
There are 66 local authority swimming pools located throughout the country. Fifty five of these are indoor pools, of which 52 are currently operational. Eleven are outdoor pools of which ten are currently open but during the summer months only.
There is currently one new pool under construction in Enniscorthy, which is being grantaided by my Department. A further three proposals for new pools in Navan, Ennis and Wicklow have also been approved for grant-aid and are at an advanced stage of planning. Construction of these pools is expected to commence shortly.
The total budget of £4 million for 1998 for the construction and refurbishment of swimming pools is fully committed to projects under construction or to projects already approved and on which work is expected to commence shortly.
