Turning specifically to Tuam, the Minister is aware that the swimming pool in the town had served the community well over many years. It has long been recognised that the pool was in urgent need of refurbishment. In fact, the pool was closed recently for urgent repairs. Following an examination of a number of options, Galway County Council decided in December 2001 that the best value for money would be obtained by providing a replacement pool rather than the refurbishment of the existing facility. The proposed replacement facility includes the provision of a six lane 25m pool, a learner pool, a toddler pool, group and family changing facilities, a gymnasium, a steam room, sauna facilities, spectator seating for 100 and an aerobics studio. In March this year the contract documents for the proposed replacement pool were approved. This approval allowed the county council to invite tenders for the work proposed and in mid-October tenders were submitted to the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism for approval. This documentation is now under consideration in the Department and the Minister is expected to be in a position to make a decision shortly.