Luke Flanagan (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)

The Minister of State is probably aware that there already is an enclosed swimming pool in the town of Ballaghaderreen. This pool is located in the local hotel, which has been shut down. Would the Department consider the option of allowing the council to lease that pool in order that it might save a great deal of money? There are those who would state that the pool to which I refer is not big enough. All I can say in reply is that if it were located in my town, the people there would be delighted.

If €3.8 million in funding is available, perhaps the Minister of State might consider releasing a small portion of that money - I will probably be informed that this is not possible - to develop further Castlerea swimming pool. I am involved with a not-for-profit organisation, Castlerea Swimming Pool Limited, which was established to try to ensure that Castlerea swimming pool will remain open all year round. We have everything apart from the sliding roof - in respect of which we have carried out a great deal of research - in place. We commissioned a study - I can supply the Minister of State with a copy - which indicates that it would be possible to have a 33-metre swimming pool in Castlerea that could open on a year-round basis and that could be an open-air facility in the summer and during periods of good weather. This would be a fantastic tourism attraction for the area and it would only cost €500,000 to fund. Will the Minister of State give consideration to this matter and will he meet representatives from Castlerea Swimming Pool Limited in order to discuss it?

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