Vol. 527 No. 1
132 Ms Clune asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation if he will give details of the funding to be provided under the swimming pool refurbishment scheme on an annual basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27923/00]
133 Ms Clune asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation the number of applications for funding made under the refurbishment of swimming pools scheme; the amount of funding required per application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27924/00]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 132 and 133 together.
The amount of annual funding available to the swimming pool programme, has been increased fivefold from £3 million in 1999 to £15 million in each of the years 2000, 2001 and 2002, to support the refurbishment of existing pools and towards the construction costs of new pools.
There are 46 proposals from local authorities under the swimming pool programme in my Department at present. Some 21 of these proposals relate to refurbishment of existing pools and the remaining 25 are to construct new pools.
Under the revised 2000 swimming pool programme grants of up to £3 million are to be made available towards both the refurbishment of existing pools and the provision of new pools, subject in both cases, to the total grant not exceeding 80% of the eligible cost of the project and not exceeding 90% of the eligible cost for projects located in designated disadvantaged areas.
