Bernard Allen (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 371: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he has completed a review of the swimming pool programme; if he will re-open the programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3532/07]

John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Fianna Fail)
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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 372: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism when new swimming pool projects will be accepted by his Department; the amount committed to projects which are approved and not taken up or under construction; if locations have been identified where there is a deficit in such facilities; the factors considered in grant aiding projects if this is not one; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3592/07]

John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Fianna Fail)
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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.

Since the current round of the programme closed in July, 2000, 57 projects have or are being dealt with — 23 projects have been completed, 16 are under construction or about to start construction and the remaining 18 are at various stages in the process. In terms of funding being committed to projects, formal grant approval is given to local authorities following the tender process, when the contract is approved.

In the case of the 23 projects that have been completed, a balance of €2.1m is outstanding in respect of grants not yet fully drawn down. In this regard, a contingency of 10% of grant aid is withheld pending final certification of completion by the relevant local authority.

Of the 16 projects which are under construction or about to start construction, grants totaling €58.2m have been approved.

Under the current round of the programme, the question of the location of public swimming pools was essentially a matter for local authorities. Projects are considered on a case-by-case basis and consideration is given to such issues as to whether the area is classified as disadvantaged, the number and geographical spread of similar projects within and between counties, the viability of the project, particularly in relation to operational and maintenance issues, overall funding package for the project, technical details and the Department's annual estimates provision for the Programme.