Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick East, Fine Gael)

The potential closure of St. Enda's swimming pool and sports complex is an important issue for the southside of Limerick city and particularly for the people of South Hill. Intensive discussions are currently under way between Limerick City VEC, the Catholic diocese, Limerick City Council and the Limerick Regeneration Agencies with a view to keeping open the sports complex, which consists of a swimming pool, gymnasium and various other amenities. The proposed closure comes on foot of the closure of the only other community swimming pool in the area, the Roxborough facility, in 2004. St. Enda's is now the only community sports facility of its type on the southside of the city. Twenty-five people are employed there, many of them with young families and having worked at the complex for many years. It is essential that their uncertainty is ended and their jobs are maintained.

The Department of Education and Skills has not come forward with the capital funding, of the order of €400,000 plus, that is needed to bring the facility up to health and safety standards. It is gravely disappointing that the Government should espouse the virtues of the Limerick regeneration project while leaving it to other stakeholders to provide the necessary funding for this vital project. Will the Minister of State, Deputy Connick, confirm that the funding of €400,000 plus will be provided to facilitate the much needed renovations to ensure compliance with health and safety standards? Will he give a further commitment that the Department will support the redevelopment of the complex? Renovation would require some €5 million and a full refurbishment approximately €10 million. That can happen only with the approval of the Department.

Intensive discussions are under way among the stakeholders. It is vital that the Department come to the table with the €400,000 that is needed to facilitate the much needed capital works. I hope the Minister of State will have good news for the people of Limerick and for the 25 staff at St. Enda's sports complex.

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