Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Question 1153: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if the local authority swimming pool programme grant will be re-launched in 2008; the expected date for the re-launch; the funding allocated for the programme; if applications from towns such as Carrickmacross, County Monaghan will be considered favourably for the grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30403/08]

Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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Question 1167: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism when the swimming pool programme will be re-opened; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31211/08]

Emmet Stagg (Kildare North, Labour)
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Question 1168: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism when he will announce a new round of grants under the local authority swimming pool programme. [31271/08]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 1153, 1167 and 1168 together.

A sum of €184m has been provided in the National Development Plan 2007-2013 for supporting existing projects in the current round of the Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme and for new projects to be selected following the launch of a new round of the Programme. The current round of the Programme, which closed in July 2000, has made noteworthy progress over the last 8 years when consideration is given to the lead in time in the development of pool projects. Under the round, 36 projects have been completed and opened to the public, 9 other pools, which have been allocated funding, are under construction throughout the country and another 12 are at various stages of development. A total of €123.9m has been spent over the last 8 years under the Programme and a total of €20 million is provided for this year.

A Value for Money and Policy Review Report of the Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme was carried out by the Department to examine, among other things, how the Programme has worked to date, and what changes, are required to ensure its effective and efficient delivery. Arrangements are currently being made to publish the report. Given the current budgetary constraints, it is not intended to launch a new Programme at this time. However, the recommendations in the Value for Money & Policy Review Report will be considered in any new round of the Programme. When a new round of the Programme is launched it will be open to all Local Authorities, including Monaghan County Council on behalf of Carrickmacross, to submit an application under the terms that will apply.