The expenditure review of the local authority swimming pool programme which is being carried out by my Department is expected to be completed later this year. The review is examining issues such as how the programme has worked to date, the benefits which have accrued to the areas where pools have been built and what amendments, if any, are required to ensure the effective and efficient delivery of the programme.
At present, non-pool related costs in respect of gym or fitness facilities are not eligible under this programme. However, under the national lottery-funded sports capital programme, which is also administered by my Department, funding can be made available to sporting and community organisations and, in some instances, to local authorities, in respect of gym and fitness facilities. Consequently, municipal centres containing swimming pools funded under the local authority swimming pool programme can also seek to have additional facilities grant aided under the sports capital programme. This programme is advertised on an annual basis and the deadline for receipt of applications for funding under the 2005 sports capital programme was 4 February 2005. I intend to announce the grant allocations for the programme as soon as the assessment of applications has been completed.
The local authority swimming pool programme is a capital grant scheme that provides funding towards the cost of the provision of new, or the refurbishment of, existing swimming pools. The funding of ongoing operational costs of public swimming pools is a matter for the relevant local authority and it is a requirement under the grant programme that local authorities make appropriate future arrangements in relation to these costs.