Pat Carey (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 551: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his plans to introduce a scheme of grants which would assist with the refurbishment of privately owned swimming pools such as a pool (details supplied) in Dublin 11; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9468/07]

John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Fianna Fail)
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The Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme, which is administered by 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 €3.8 million. Where a project is being undertaken by an organisation other than a local authority, the proposal must be considered, supported and submitted by the relevant 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. Under the current round of the programme, swimming pools within the education sector are not eligible.

The Programme is currently closed to new applications. The closing date for receipt of applications under the current round of the programme was 31 July 2000. The 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 hoped that it will be completed shortly. Following consideration of the recommendations in the review it is my intention to launch a new round of the Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme. If the Programme is re-opened, it will be open to all local authorities to submit applications under the terms that will apply.I will also consider the question of allowing swimming pools traditionally regarded as being within the education sector, such as St. Vincent's Glasnevin to apply for grant aid on the grounds of significant public access at that stage.