Vol. 558 No. 1
323 Mr. O'Dowd asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism further to the submission of the proposal and redesign of the Drogheda swimming pool, submitted on 4 November 2002, if Drogheda swimming pool will receive the ?3.8 million from his Department required to build the new swimming pool; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23673/02]
324 Mr. O'Dowd asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if the proposed estimate cutbacks in sports and recreation grants will affect the building of a new swimming pool in Drogheda; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23674/02]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 323 and 324 together.
Under the local authority swimming pool programme 2000-2002, which is administered by my Department, there are four stages in a swimming pool project following the submission of a feasibility study. These are, in order of progress: preliminary report; contract documents; tender and construction. My Department's technical adviser, the Office of Public Works (OPW), evaluates 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 pool in question, Drogheda Borough Council has re-examined the design of the swimming pool and its funding proposals. The council submitted an addendum to the original preliminary report in respect of the Drogheda pool in early November. This documentation is currently being examined by the Office of Public Works. Once this assessment is complete, the proposal will be considered further.
