Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)

I welcome the Minister of State. I do not want to labour the point about this swimming pool project but Castlebar is a progressive town of approximately 12,000 people. It was recently announced that it was to be a hub town, which we welcome.

The existing swimming pool was installed in the late 1970s when some would say it was outdated, never mind today. While we appreciate that much has been done around Castlebar, it was once said Knock Airport was built on a wing and a prayer. Castlebar swimming pool is trying to survive on a wing and a prayer at present. This is the second time I have raised the issue on the Adjournment.

In the early 1990s a new design was prepared to upgrade the existing swimming pool which some saw fit to change to the provision of a new pool. To this end new plans were drawn up in the mid to late 1990s which we understand have been with the Department for a number of years. I seek information on the current situation as the existing swimming pool is operating on a wing and a prayer. There is a very high level of maintenance involved, the cost of which is covered by Castlebar Town Council and Mayo County Council. We have been told by those running the pool that its structure could give way at any stage.

Castlebar has a good swimming club, members of which use the pool extensively. It is a matter of great concern to the swimmers and others in Castlebar that approval is given for work to proceed on the building of the new pool at the earliest possible stage. I look forward to the Minister of State's reply.