Trevor Sargent
Ceist:5 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will report on the assistance given to and being sought by the north-east swimming pool project. [2057/03]
Other Questions. - Swimming Pool Projects.
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: preliminary report, contract documents, tender and construction. My Department's technical advisers at 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 swimming pool programme, grants of up to €3,809,214 are available towards 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 north-east swimming pool project, the preliminary report was approved in January 2001. My Department is awaiting the submission of contract documents by Fingal County Council for the proposed facility. On receipt of this documentation, the proposal will be considered further.
I thank the Minister for his reply. Has his Department written to Fingal County Council? When did it last write? I understand there might be a need to renew the correspondence as there has been none recently. The Minister's predecessor had a three-year allocation of €42 million for swimming pool projects, less than half of which was taken up. Is there a use to which that money can be put, or is it gone from the Department – lost to various projects? This project has been struggling for ten years and has raised €500,000 to date. I would appreciate if the Minister could indicate whether there is any possibility of a meeting with officials in his Department to discuss the future of this project, as it needs an exchange of information to take it to its next stage.
As I understand it, the preliminary report was approved in January 2001. It is a matter for Fingal County Council at this stage; the ball is in its court. If there is any assistance my Department can provide to the county council we will be only too happy to do so. The allocation for the swimming pool projects in 2000-2002 was €57 million and the unused portion has not been lost. There are about 43 projects in the pipeline and it is anticipated that all the allocated amount will be taken up, albeit in stages over a number of years.
I appreciate the Minister's willingness to be of assistance to Fingal County Council, but he will understand that a considerable amount of voluntary effort is going into this project. Would his officials be willing to set aside half an hour to meet the committee dealing with the project and discuss what is available, what needs to be done and where there is any difficulty that can be overcome? There has been a considerable amount of voluntary fund-raising and a number of people have put much effort and money into bringing the project so far. They are asking questions about what is happening. I would appreciate it if the Minister could facilitate a meeting.
I will certainly do that.