John Perry (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 20: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the number of new swimming pools, constructed since 2002, aided by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20229/05]

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

My Department administers the local authority swimming pool programme, which provides grant aid towards the capital costs of a new pool, a replacement pool or the refurbishment of an existing pool. The programme provides for a maximum grant level of 80% of eligible costs — 90% in the case of disadvantaged areas — subject to a maximum of €3.8 million.

Since 2002, grant-aid has been approved for 16 swimming pool projects. Of these, six projects have been completed and are open. They are located in Finglas in Dublin — replacement; Ballinasloe — replacement; the Aquadome in Tralee — refurbishment; the Regional Sports and Leisure Centre in Tralee — refurbishment; Grove Island in Limerick — new; and Clonmel — refurbishment. Two projects are due to open to the public shortly: Churchfield in Cork city — refurbishment; and Ballymun in Dublin — replacement. The remaining eight pools, in Tuam — replacement; Ballyfermot in Dublin — replacement; Cobh — replacement; Youghal — new; Drogheda — replacement; Jobstown in south County Dublin — new; Letterkenny — replacement; and Monaghan town — replacement, are under construction.