Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 19 November 2008
83 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he envisages that the next phase of the local authority swimming pool programme will be initiated in 2009; if there is funding for a new round of this programme in Budget 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41128/08]
Amharc ar fhreagraBecause of the current budgetary constraints, it is not intended to launch a new round of the Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme at this time. The matter will be reviewed again in 2009.
A total of 57 applications were received under the current round of the Programme, of which 39 projects have been completed and opened to the public. The priority now is to work with the relevant local authorities in completing the remaining 18 pool projects which are included in the current round.
Since 2000 total expenditure under the current round of the programme has been €126m and funding of €18m has been provided for 2009 to support existing projects.
A sum of €184m has been provided in the National Development Plan 2007 – 2013 to support existing projects in the current round of the Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme and for new projects to be selected following the launch of a new round of the Programme.
