Swimming Pool Programme Applications

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 June 2015

Thursday, 18 June 2015

Ceisteanna (268)

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

268. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he is aware that the management of the National University of Ireland has decided to close the swimming pool on the south campus in Maynooth University on 31 August 2015; that the north Kildare area is already critically under-served with regard to public swimming pool access; if the imminent closure of the university pool would have a bearing on the decision to fund a new public pool in the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24346/15]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport

Under the Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme grant aid to a maximum of €3.8 million is provided to local authorities towards the capital costs of new swimming pools or the refurbishment of existing pools. The current round of the Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme was closed to new applicants on 31 July 2000. My priority now is the completion of the projects in the existing Programme. No decision has been taken on any new round of the Programme. If the Programme re-opens it would be open to each Local Authority, including Kildare County Council, to submit an application under the terms that would apply at that time.