James Bannon (Fine Gael)

I receive no remuneration. I was appointed on a voluntary basis by Longford County Council.

Longford swimming pool is probably the oldest in the country. In 1991 renovation work was carried out to the pool which was constructed in the 1960s to extend its life for a period of five to six years. Following an inspection in April 1996, consulting engineers, Malachy, Cullen and Partners, informed the council that it appeared likely the pool could continue to be used for another two to three years. We are truly on borrowed time in relation to the pool.

In May 1976 Longford County Council commissioned a report from architects on the development of a new 25 metre, six lane indoor swimming pool, overlooked by a public spectator area for 200 people, with a learner-cum-children's pool, adult health suite, sauna rooms and bubble pool, fitness area and snack facilities, to be located at The Mall, Longford, a lovely leisure area, overlooking the River Camlin. All the required submissions and reports are with the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism for some time.

Within a 30 mile radius of Longford there is a population of approximately 30,000 people. There is no other public swimming pool or water leisure centre in the area. A figure of 250,000 visits per annum is conservatively estimated for year one of the development. The pool will have a better opportunity to achieve financial viability by comparison with most other pools in the country.