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Swimming Pool Programme

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 14 October 2020

Wednesday, 14 October 2020

Ceisteanna (132, 133)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Ceist:

132. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media her plans to provide extra funding for municipal swimming pools to keep them open in view of the effect Covid-19 is having on their income and their importance socially and medically; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30527/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Éamon Ó Cuív

Ceist:

133. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if all of the €2.5 million provided by her to support the reopening of swimming pools has been allocated; the organisations that were approved funding; the amount allocated to each one; the amount of funding expended to each to date; her plans to make further funding available to support swimming pools in view of the continued Covid-19 crisis and restrictions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30538/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 132 and 133 together.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on Ireland's sport and leisure sector. I regret that the necessary public health restrictions have presented serious challenges for the operators of sports and recreation facilities. These facilities are hugely valuable to communities throughout the country and play a major role in supporting people's health and wellbeing. I am pleased that in Level 3 of the Resilience and Recovery Plan, all gyms, leisure centres and swimming pools are permitted to open. I hope that they will continue to serve their communities through the winter months.

As part of the July Jobs Stimulus, I announced a special fund of €2.5 million to support the reopening of publicly accessible swimming pools in recognition of the particular challenges pool operators face in reopening to the public. This funding will be administered by Sport Ireland. A grant scheme is currently being drafted. Full details of the scheme and the application process will be announced shortly.

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