Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 392: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the amount of the €148 million capital allocation for 2009, intended to develop sporting and cultural infrastructure and enhance the infrastructure aimed at tourists and foreign visitors as set out in Building Ireland's Smart Economy - A Framework for Sustainable Economic Renewal 2009 to 2014, that has been spent; and the infrastructure it has been spent on. [17624/09]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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As part of a commitment to investing in critical infrastructure in Building Ireland's Smart Economy, the Arts, Sports and Tourism capital allocation in 2009 will be used to develop sporting and cultural infrastructure and to enhance infrastructure aimed at tourists. This capital allocation refers to that of the Ministerial Vote Group, which comprises the Votes of both the Department and the National Gallery of Ireland (NGI).

The €135 million capital allocation for 2009 for this Ministerial Vote Group, as set out in the Revised Estimates 2009, is being used to continue the capital funding schemes and programmes operated by the Department and the NGI. This investment includes the provision of €56 million for the Sports Capital Programme to ensure existing commitments will be met and that a range of modern, well-equipped and well-managed sports facilities will be brought into use. Work is also ongoing with the relevant local authorities to develop the remaining 14 swimming pools promised as part of the Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme, which has already delivered the completion of 43 pool projects.

Some €19 million has been allocated to further develop cultural infrastructure, primarily through cultural projects at the local level, in addition to capital funding support for the national and other cultural institutions. Furthermore, over €7 million has been allocated to tourism product development in order to enhance visitor attractions throughout the country. Of the €135 million capital allocation in 2009, approximately €41 million was spent as at the end of April.