Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 181: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism further to a request which he received in November 2004, when he will be able to meet the delegation of Cork City councillors in relation to funding for the redevelopment of the Gus Healy swimming pool, Douglas, Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2699/05]

John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

In a letter dated 16 December 2004, Cork City Council requested a meeting with me to discuss grant aid for the refurbishment of Douglas swimming pool. Due to a heavy schedule of commitments, I am not in a position to meet a delegation at this time. The request will be kept on file and I will be in touch with the council if an opportunity arises for such a meeting in the future.

The local authority swimming pool programme, which is administered by the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism, provides grant aid towards the capital costs of new pools or the refurbishment of existing pools. The closing date for the receipt of applications under the current programme was 31 July 2000. No application was made in respect of a swimming pool in Douglas before that date. The priority in respect of the programme is to support the proposals on hand. New proposals for swimming pools are not being considered at this time. The Department is conducting an expenditure review of the swimming pool programme. The review is examining, inter alia, how the programme has worked so far, the benefits which have accrued to areas where pools have been built through the existing programme and the amendments, if any, which are required to ensure the effective and efficient delivery of the programme. This review is expected to be completed by the middle of this year. The question of reopening the programme can be considered after the review has been completed.