Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 July 2019
2414. Deputy Marcella Corcoran Kennedy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of a grant approved for a project (details supplied); if the grant amount approved can be reviewed upwards in view of the length of time since its original approval; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33104/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme (LASPP) provides grant aid to local authorities towards the capital costs of new swimming pools or the refurbishment of existing pools. Edenderry is still in the 2000 round of the LASPP and is at Preliminary Report stage. €3.8m is the maximum amount available under the LASPP.
Any future funding of new swimming pools will be considered under the Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF). The Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund opened for applications on 19th November 2018 and the closing date for receipt of applications was 17th April 2019. The fund is initially focusing on the requirements and development plans of National Governing Bodies of Sport and Local Authorities, all of which received letters inviting them to make applications. Offaly County Council submitted an application for funding from the LSSIF, on behalf of Edenderry GAA club, for assistance in the design of a multi-functional community sports hall on a site adjacent to Edenderry Swimming Pool. 72 applications have been received under the LSSIF and my officials are currently undertaking an initial assessment of them.
In view of the detailed information contained in each application, I am advised that it will take a number of months to have all of them assessed. Accordingly, while there will be no undue delay in completing the assessment process, I expect that it will be towards the end of this year before allocations are announced.
