Robert O'Donoghue (Dublin Fingal West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

780. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht to provide an update on the delivery of a swimming pool in Balbriggan, County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10945/25]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

My Department operates two capital funding programmes for sport, namely the Community Sports Facilities Fund (formerly the Sports Capital and Equipment Fund) and the Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF). Capital support for new swimming pools is now provided through the LSSIF.

The total investment from the LSSIF since 2020 amounts to €297 million, with 68 projects receiving funding allocations including nine swimming pool projects.

The second round of the LSSIF, which commenced in April 2024, received an unprecedented demand for funding, amounting to €665 million from 96 submissions. On 4 November 2024, grants totalling €173 million were announced, benefiting 35 individual projects.

An application was received for a swimming pool development at Castlelands in Balbriggan in the 2024 round of LSSIF, but was unsuccessful. Due to the significant demand, a range of valid applications did not receive an LSSIF allocation at the initial allocation stage. Remaining valid applications will be assessed and placed in a prioritised order on this list and, as additional LSSIF funding becomes available, projects on the reserve list may then be funded.

Previously, Balbriggan was allocated funding towards a swimming pool under the Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme (LASPP). Due to difficulties complying with scheme requirements, the project was unable to proceed and the application was withdrawn. The funding allocated in this regard was directed instead under the Sports Capital Programme towards another sports project in Balbriggan which enabled the community to benefit from a worthwhile project for the area.

Ireland’s first National Swimming Strategy was published in August 2024 and sets out a vision to provide everyone in our country with an opportunity to swim. Its publication follows commitments made under both the National Sports Policy 2018-2027 and the Sports Action Plan 2021-2023. A key focus of the policy is on providing improved facilities. Swim Ireland, the National Governing Body for swimming, is currently undertaking an analysis of the type and nature of swimming pool ownership in the country and will publish a report outlining same in the coming period. This report will be central to the future development of swimming pool facilities.

Regarding a new round of the LSSIF, I am committed to ensuring sustained investment in sports facilities to meet our ambitious goals for sports participation nationwide. The Programme for Government commits to maintaining sports funding to get more people participating in all levels of sport, particularly targeting cohorts in society where there are lower than average participation levels including people with disabilities and older people.