Seán Power
Ceist:351 Mr. S. Power asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the position regarding the plans for a new swimming pool in Athy, County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26142/03]
Written Answers. - Swimming Pool Projects.
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 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' evaluates each stage and local authorities cannot proceed to the next stage of a project unless prior approval issues from my Department.
The maximum grant available under the programme is €3.8 million, subject 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. Grant aid is allocated only when tenders have been approved for the project and the grant amount is capped at the time of allocation. Support is available towards the cost of the swimming pool, toddler pool, sauna and steam room.
Kildare County Council applied for funding under the programme in respect of a proposed replacement swimming pool for Athy. The preliminary report for the project was approved in February 2002 and this approval allowed the county council to have the detailed contract documents prepared. The contract documents submitted for the project by Kildare County Council are under consideration in my Department.