John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Fianna Fail)

As I indicated in replies to similar parliamentary questions on the subject on 1 December 2004 and 17 February 2005, the local authority swimming pool programme administered by my Department has been closed to new applicants since 31 July 2000. Moneys provided under my Department's multi-annual capital envelope for the programme are being committed to completing projects being progressed under that programme. The financial provision for the programme in 2005 is €32 million, an 82% increase on the 2004 expenditure of €17.6 million.

As no application was made by South Dublin County Council by the closing date of 31 July 2000, the current programme does not include the provision of a swimming pool for Lucan. My Department is carrying out an expenditure review of the programme which will assist in the formulation of future policy, including the question of the introduction of a new swimming pool programme. The review is expected to be completed later this year.

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