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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 13 Nov 2001

Vol. 543 No. 5

Written Answers. - Swimming Pool Projects.

Michael Creed

Ceist:

483 Mr. Creed asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation if, in respect of his Department's decision to support the construction of new swimming pools at locations (details supplied), he has received assurances from the relevant local authorities in each case that any or all losses are underwritten by the relevant local authority. [27591/01]

Cork Corporation submitted a proposal to my Department in relation to the proposed redevelopment of Churchfield swimming pool. Cobh UDC also submitted a proposal for a replacement swimming pool in Cobh. The local authorities in these cases have submitted satisfactory financial plans and feasibility studies have been completed in each case. There is no proposal in my Department at present regarding a pool in Douglas.

Under the local authority swimming pool programme grants of up to £3 million are 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 or, in the case of projects located in designated disadvantaged areas, 90% of the eligible cost.

Where a project is being undertaken by an organisation other than a local authority, the proposal must be submitted, in the first instance, to the local authority concerned to obtain their support. The Department will only consider the proposal if it is submitted via the relevant local authority. Before supporting an application, the local authority would have to be satisfied that the proposal is viable, that the balance of funding required to complete the project is available and that the project, when completed, will have a satisfactory level of access available to the general public. The local authority swimming pool programme does not provide financial support towards the running costs of swimming pools. Responsibility in this regard rests with the management authorities of the pool.

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