Vol. 572 No. 1
85 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the situation with regard to applications for funding for swimming pools at Cobh and Youghal respectively in County Cork; the amount made available or promised by him or by his Department in each case; when he expects to sanction such applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22423/03]
Under the local authority swimming pool programme, which is administered by my Department, grants of up to a maximum of €3.8 million are available towards the refurbishment of existing pools or the provision of a new pool subject, in either case, 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 application submitted by Cobh Town Council for a new swimming pool is currently under evaluation at tender stage. On the advice of the technical advisers in the Office of Public Works, my Department has sought details in relation to the pool operator so as to be satisfied that all operator requirements are incorporated in the tender documentation prior to approval. On receipt of this information, the proposal will be considered further.
In the case of Youghal, the position is that last March I approved the contracts documents submitted by Youghal Town Council for a new swimming pool, which allowed the council to invite tenders for the work proposed. In July, the council submitted for approval a tender for the earth works part of the project. This documentation is with the Department's technical advisers, the Office of Public Works, for assessment, prior to consideration of the request by my Department.
