Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 914: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will work with the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and Dublin City Council in putting a compulsory purchase order on a swimming pool (details supplied) in Dublin 5 in order to prevent closure of this leisure service. [28359/06]

Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 916: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will explain the contradiction of allowing the closure of a swimming pool (details supplied) in Dublin 5 while at the same time setting up a costly task force in relation to the Olympics in London; and if this swimming pool will be saved. [28426/06]

John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 914 and 916 together.

The question of a compulsory purchase order is, in the first instance, a matter for the relevant local authority. I understand that the swimming pool in question was built, by a religious order and while privately owned and operated by them, has been open to the public. I also understand that the pool received some financial support from Dublin City Council.

Under the Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme, my Department provides grant aid to local authorities towards the capital costs of a new or replacement public swimming 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 €3.8million. Where a project is being undertaken by an organisation other than a local authority, the proposal must be considered, supported and submitted by the local authority. Before supporting a project, the local authority would have to be satisfied that the proposal is viable, that the balance of funding required to complete the project is available and that the project when completed, would have a suitable level of public access. Consequently, questions relating to the location or operation of a particular public swimming pool should be directed towards the relevant local authority.

The priority under the current round of the Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme, which is administered by my Department and where the deadline for submission of applications was 31 July 2000, is to continue to support those projects remaining to be completed. My Department is carrying out an Expenditure Review of the Programme. On completion of this Review, which is currently being finalised, the question of re-opening the Programme can be considered. If the Pool Programme is re-opened, it will be open to all local authorities to submit applications under the terms that will apply.

I do not consider that this issue has any implications for the establishment of the London 2012 Olympics Task Force and my Department has no compulsory purchase powers.