Mary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)
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Question 122: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if it is intended to complete the remaining 21 swimming pools which were granted funding under the initial local authority swimming pool programme in 2000; when the next stage of the programme will be launched; if he will give a commitment that the funding for the next round of this programme will be available as promised under the national development plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33795/08]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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It is intended to complete the remaining 20 pools under the current round of the local authority swimming pool programme. A total of 57 applications were received under the current round. Some 37 pools have been completed and opened to the public, eight in respect of which funding has been allocated are under construction and a further 12 are at various stages of development. Funding in respect of the latter will be allocated by my Department in due course. Funding is available to support the existing projects in the current round of the local authority swimming programme. As already stated, however, given the current budgetary constraints, it is not intended to launch a new round at this time. Noteworthy progress has been made in the context of the current programme and our priority now is to work with the relevant local authorities in bringing into public use the remaining 20 pools included under the current round.

A value for money policy review report of the local authority swimming pool programme was carried out by my Department to examine, among other things, how the programme has worked to date and what changes are required to ensure its effective and efficient delivery. The report has been published and the recommendations it contains will be considered in the context of future rounds of the programme.

Mary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)
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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.

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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I do not disagree with the Deputy. I take a strong view regarding the value of sport, in all its guises, for young people. Many Members enjoyed participating in sport when they were much younger. It makes a huge contribution in the context of people's general health, their development of social and interactional skills and the way in which they mature.

Some 57 applications were received under the current round of the programme. Some 37 pools have been completed and opened, eight are under construction and a further 12 are at various stages of development. I am not in a position to open a new round at present. As stated, however, the resources are in place to allow the completion of projects under the current round. When that is done, resources permitting, I would like to commence a new round because the swimming pool programme adds enormously to communities. There is no age barrier to swimming. People of all ages and genders can use swimming pools and obtain major benefits from doing so.

Mary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)
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At present, Ireland has one pool per 58,000 people. In Northern Ireland it is one per 32,000 and in Scotland it is one per 15,000. Our objective is to have one pool per 50,000 by 2011. Will that objective be achieved?

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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Based on the current programme, it will be achieved. However, I would like us to reach a position where we would be closer to the international average of one pool per 28,000 people.

Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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The Minister would want to start building.

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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We have come from a position where the figure was effectively zero. We were able to instigate the programme only in recent years when the necessary resources were available. This is not merely a national project, there is involvement on the part of local authorities, communities and the Department. As stated, 57 applications were received and 27 pools have been completed and opened, eight are under construction and a further 12 are at various stages of development. The latter will be completed and we must then move on to the next round.