Dáil Éireann Debate, Friday - 6 September 2019
1579. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the progress made on reviewing swimming pool provision; if the findings of such a review will be provided; and when the review will be concluded. [35307/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs indicated in the National Sports Policy 2018-2027, a review of swimming pool provision will be undertaken as part of the development of a coherent national strategy for swimming. Arrangements for the development of this strategy are currently being progressed by my Department with an indicative completion timescale of the latter part of 2020.
In relation to existing programmes, the Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme (LASPP), as operated by my Department, provides grant aid to local authorities towards the capital costs of new swimming pools or the refurbishment of existing pools. To date 52 pools have been completed and three swimming pool projects remain in the current LASPP. Swimming pools are also eligible for funding under the new Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF). The closing date for receipt of applications under the LSSIF was 17th April 2019. 72 applications were received and my officials are currently assessing these. Details of all applications, including those for swimming pools, are available on my Department’s website. Allocations under the LSSIF are expected towards the end of this year.
