Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael)

I assume my five minutes will be uninterrupted. I hoped the Minister, Deputy Gormley, would stay as he is playing a blinder today.

I thank the Minister of State, Deputy John Browne, for coming to the House this evening. I wish to raise the important matter of provision of a swimming pool and leisure complex in the Douglas area of Cork. This has been an ongoing struggle for the people of the area which requires political action at this stage. The best form of such action would be central funding from Government to provide for an upgraded version of the existing facility in Douglas.

Cork City Council has decided to retain the pool at its present site. It is a community asset which is in urgent need of an upgrade. An area the size of Douglas and its hinterland requires a modern, comprehensive sports facility to cater for the schools, clubs and ordinary citizens there. I suggest they could be best served by Government investment in upgraded recreational facilities at the Gus Healy pool.

Swimming is an activity which can be enjoyed by everybody, whether they are young or old, competitive or non-competitive in nature. It is important to recognise that currently, under the aegis of Cork City Council and managed by Leisureworld, the pool is open only on a limited basis, a restriction that is completely unacceptable to the schools and clubs using the facility. Given the significant growth in the Douglas area, the facility needs to be urgently upgraded.

The current Gus Healy pool, named after a member of the Minister of State's party and a former Lord Mayor of Cork, has been in operation since the 1970s and outlived its intended lifespan. The people require a guarantee from Government that the facility will be modernised and supported by Government through funding. Cork City Council has repeatedly ticked the boxes in the provision of a site and has demonstrated a willingness to keep the pool in public ownership. It has voted to keep the pool at its current location and the people of the area require action.

With the re-opening of the local authority swimming pool programme, the former Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism gave a commitment to the people that the pool would be prioritised. We are now 12 months into the scheme and we need proof of commitment. I ask the Minister of State to give us good news tonight.

I thank the Cathaoirleach for allowing me raise this on the Adjournment.