Denis Naughten
Ceist:82 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his plans to support the local authority swimming pool programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7875/10]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 17 February 2010
Ceisteanna (33)
Freagraí scríofa
The current round of the Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme, operated by the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism, provides grant aid to a maximum of €3.8m to Local Authorities, towards the capital cost of new swimming pools or the refurbishment of existing pools. Where a project is being undertaken by an organisation other than a local authority, the project must be considered, supported and submitted by the relevant local authority. Under the current programme, 45 pools have been opened throughout the country with a further 12 pools at various stages of development. The total expenditure of €142.7m under the Programme from 2000 to end of 2009 leveraged a total investment of some €400m. in swimming pools throughout the country.
The allocation of €7.5m in 2010 will be sufficient to meet commitments arising in 2010 under the current round of the Local Authority Swimming Pool programme. No decision has been taken on the timing of a new round of the Programme.