Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)
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Question 179: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he has received an application for funding a swimming pool at Leixlip, County Kildare; the dialogue he has had with Kildare County Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3358/07]

John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Fianna Fail)
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The current round of the Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme was closed to applications on 31 July 2000 and no application was made in respect of a public swimming pool for Leixlip before that date.

My Department is completing an Expenditure Review of the Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme at present. The Review is examining, among other things, how the programme has worked to date and what changes, if any, are required to ensure its effective and efficient delivery. The Review is currently being finalised and it is my intention to publish it as soon as possible. Following consideration of the recommendations in the review it is my intention to launch a new round of the Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme. When the Programme is re-opened, it will be open to all local authorities to submit applications under the terms that will apply.

Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)
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Question 180: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the stage the new Naas swimming pool project is at; when funding will be drawn down; the expected date for completion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3375/07]

John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Fianna Fail)
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Under the Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme, there are four stages in the development of a swimming pool project. These are, in order of progress, Feasibility Study/Preliminary Report; Contract Documents; Tender and Construction.

On 24 October 2006, I approved the tender submitted by Kildare County Council for the proposed replacement swimming pool in Naas. At the same time, I approved the maximum grant of €3.8 million for the project. These approvals permitted Kildare County Council to move to the construction phase and it is now a matter for the local authority to proceed with the project. I am advised that construction is expected to begin next month.