Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 553: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the expenditure each year under the local authority swimming pools programme, in respect of each project financed under the programme; the name and location of the project, the local authority involved, the total cost, the percentage of the cost funded under the programme, and the completion date for the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9621/07]

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

The information requested by the Deputy is attached in Tabular format and will be circulated with the official report. The current round of the Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme was closed to new applications on 31 July 2000. The priority under the current round is to continue to support those projects remaining within the programme. Of the 57 projects within the current round, 23 have been completed, 18 are under construction or about to start construction, 3 are out to tender and the remaining 13 are at various stages in the process.

An Expenditure Review of the Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme conducted by my Department is currently being finalised and will be completed shortly. 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. 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.