Michael Kitt (Fianna Fail)

I thank the Cathaoirleach for allowing me to raise this issue on the Adjournment. The Minister of State will have an interest in Tuam as it was part of his European constituency for a number of years. I am aware that he received representations on the proposed new swimming pool in Tuam. A pool was built there in the early 1970s. Tenders for the development of a new swimming pool in Tuam have been received by Galway County Council and they have been sent to the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism. I understand that the cost of the pool and the complex is €7 million. I am hopeful that we will get approval from the Department and that the development of a new pool can begin as soon as possible.

Earlier this year, essential repairs were carried out at the existing pool in Tuam which resulted in it being closed for three months. This was most frustrating and caused a great deal of annoyance to the people who used the pool. A delay in the Department giving approval for the project could result in the tender prices changing and the development could become much more expensive. I propose that the existing pool be used for community purposes after the new swimming pool is completed. The council worked quickly to carry out repairs on the pool and it is back in use. It is important to have a positive response from the Department so that work can commence on the new pool as soon as possible.

As I said, the existing pool was built in the early 1970s and it is very much out of date. We need a modern swimming complex in the town of Tuam. The pool in Tuam was built at the same time as the pool in Ballinasloe in the early 1970s, yet Ballinasloe now has a new leisure centre that was recently opened by the Minister, Deputy O'Donoghue. It is time that Tuam also had a new swimming complex. I look forward to a positive response from the Minister of State.