Mary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)

The swimming pool programme is crucial to many communities. A slowdown appears to have occurred in respect of the 21 swimming pools that were meant to be part of that programme. The Minister stated that the challenge now is to work with the relevant local authorities in completing the remaining 21 pools. I hope this will happen sooner rather than later. There is no timeframe in respect of this matter and while there may be duplication of certain sporting facilities in many of the communities with which I am familiar, there is no such duplication when it comes to swimming pools. For example, the swimming pool in Crumlin was built in 1970 and badly requires an upgrade.

The Minister will agree that swimming is one of the best forms of exercise in which one can engage. When one considers the health aspects etc., it would be a shame if the swimming pool programme was limited in any way.

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