Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)

I raised this matter previously and agree that we must target a break-even figure for the operation of the centre. Like Deputy Upton, however, I wished to raise the question of the particular club mentioned. I will not go into detail on the problems it is facing because this matter raises a broader question concerning how the centre has been managed. Since its inception, it has haemorrhaged money and credibility. It does not have a CEO. While everyone states it is a beautiful centre, it is under-utilised and there is a suggestion it is not being managed well. The CEO issue and dissatisfied swimming clubs show a lack of determination on the Minister's part to turn around fortunes in respect of what was a significant investment of more than €70 million of taxpayers' money, including €2 million in subsidies last year and a sum of €600,000 to put its roof back on.

The development in question is part of the centre's attempt to break even, but should it not be marketing the pool to bring attract additional business in order that it can be used? It costs more than €1 million per year to heat and is under-utilised. The way to break even is not to chase away current customers. The reduced figure suggested to the club's members, many of whom are disabled and some of whom are paralympians, is more than €1,000 per year per member. If members of the same family — three children, for example — are in a club, as is often the case, the price being asked is ridiculous in respect of a facility where we want to increase the level of participation. The Minister must address the management problem quickly.

I am sorry to learn that Swim Ireland has washed its hands of the dispute. It is the representative body and should get involved in the matter. Unless a settlement is reached in the next week, the centre may lose the club. It has lost the water polo club and the divers are worried that they will need to leave when their renewal date is reached. That was not the intention behind the centre. I would not have a problem with subsidising it were it being utilised to the maximum and providing the national and local facilities envisaged, but it seems it is a white elephant.

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