David Stanton
Ceist:12 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will make funding available to enable a swimming pool to be constructed in Youghal, County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2130/03]
Written Answers. - Swimming Pool Projects.
As indicated in my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 73 of 20 November 2002 under the local authority swimming pool programme 2000-02, which is administered by my Department, there are four stages in a swimming pool project following the submission of a feasibility study. These, in order of progress, are: preliminary report; contract documents; tender and construction. My Department's technical advisers, 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 received 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 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.
The preliminary report for Youghal swimming pool was approved in July 2001. Contract documents in respect of this project were received from Youghal Town Council in late October 2002 and were sent to Office of Public Works for assessment. The project will be considered further by my Department on completion of this assessment.