Vol. 559 No. 1
288 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the position in relation to the application for funding by Clara Swimming Pool under the Swimming Pools Programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25660/02]
289 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the position in relation to the application for funding by Edenderry Swimming Pool under the Swimming Pools Programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25662/02]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 288 and 289 together.
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 and tender and construction. My Department's technical advisors, the Office of Public Works (OPW), 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.
