Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 29 March 2007
188 Mr. McHugh asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if, further to his reply to Parliamentary Question No. 104 of 15 February 2007, a reply has been received from the local authority in relation to a project (details supplied); the outcome of the examination being carried out by his Department in relation to this project; when approval will be given for this project to proceed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12226/07]
Amharc ar fhreagraFunding is provided by my Department to local authorities towards the capital costs of a new or replacement public swimming pool or the refurbishment of an existing pool under the terms of the Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme. Where a project is being undertaken by an organisation other than a local authority, as is the case of the project in Loughrea, the proposal must be considered, supported and submitted by the local authority. Before supporting such a project, the local authority must be satisfied that the proposal is viable, that the balance of funding required to complete the project is available and that the project when completed, would have a suitable level of public access.
In order to protect the State's interest in any such project, in the context of grant aid provided, a Deed of Covenant and Charge must be put in place between my Department, the County Council and the developer. Details of the terms of such a Deed are under discussion between my Department and Galway County Council/developer.
