Olwyn Enright
Ceist:152 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the position in relation to the application for funding by Birr swimming pool under the swimming pools programme. [23154/02]
Written Answers. - Swimming Pool Projects.
Under the local authority swimming pool programme, which is administered by my Department, there are four stages in a swimming pool project, following the submission and approval of a feasibility study. These, in order of progress, are: preliminary report; contract documents; tender and construction. My Department's technical advisors, the Office of Public Works, evaluate each stage and local authorities cannot proceed to the next stage of a project unless prior approval issues from my Department. Grant aid is allocated only when tenders have been approved for the project and will be capped at the time of allocation.
Under the programme, grants of up to a maximum of €3,809,214 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. Support is available towards the cost of the swimming pool, toddler pool, sauna and steam room.
In the case of the project in question, Offaly County Council has advised my Department that it intends to revise the proposal submitted in respect of Birr swimming pool. My Department is currently awaiting a revised feasibility study to be submitted from the council. The proposal will be considered further once this documentation has been received.