John Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)

I thank Senator Bannon for raising this matter and for affording me the opportunity to outline the current position on the application for funding towards the provision of a new local authority swimming pool in Longford town.

The aim of the local authority swimming pool programme, which is administered by the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism, is to assist local authorities in the provision of swimming pools. I would like to recall for the Seanad the administrative procedures in force under the programme.

Following an initial submission and approval of a feasibility study, there are four distinct stages, which a swimming pool project must complete. In order of progress, these are: preliminary report; contract document; tender; and construction. My Department's technical advisers, the Office of Public Works, evaluate each stage and local authorities cannot proceed to the next stage of a project unless prior approval issues from my Department.

Grant aid is allocated only when tenders have been received for the project and the grant aid is capped at the time of allocation. Grants of up to a maximum of €3.8 million are available towards the refurbishment of existing pools or the provision of new pools, subject in either case to the total grant not exceeding 80% of the eligible cost of the project or, in the case of projects located in designated disadvantaged areas, 90% of the eligible cost. Support is available towards the cost of the swimming pool, toddler pool, sauna and steam room.