Vol. 500 No. 1
77 Mr. Dukes asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation the number of projects carried out under the 1998 provision of £4 million for the provision and renovation of swimming pools; the number of applications for funding from that provision which were unsuccessful; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2146/99]
79 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation the steps, if any, he has taken to upgrade and increase the number of community swimming pools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3452/99]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 77 and 79 together.
The swimming pool programme provides capital grants towards the cost of refurbishing existing swimming pools and towards the cost of new pools. Under this programme 23 swimming pools were refurbished over the last ten years, while work is in progress at a further three existing pools.
Grant aid was also provided for three new pools which have been completed in this period, while work is in progress at a further five new pools.
Thirteen projects at varying stages of development, received funding in 1998 under the swimming pool programme. There are 22 pending under the programme in respect of twelve new pools and ten refurbishment projects, which have not been approved for funding to date.
There is a budget of £3 million in 1999 for the construction and refurbishment of swimming pools. However, this funding is fully committed to projects under construction and to projects already approved and on which work is expected to commence shortly.
