Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 82: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his plans to support the local authority swimming pool programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7875/10]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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The current round of the Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme, operated by the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism, provides grant aid to a maximum of €3.8m to Local Authorities, towards the capital cost of new swimming pools or the refurbishment of existing pools. Where a project is being undertaken by an organisation other than a local authority, the project must be considered, supported and submitted by the relevant local authority. Under the current programme, 45 pools have been opened throughout the country with a further 12 pools at various stages of development. The total expenditure of €142.7m under the Programme from 2000 to end of 2009 leveraged a total investment of some €400m. in swimming pools throughout the country.

The allocation of €7.5m in 2010 will be sufficient to meet commitments arising in 2010 under the current round of the Local Authority Swimming Pool programme. No decision has been taken on the timing of a new round of the Programme.