Louis O'Hara (Galway East, Sinn Fein)
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111. To ask the Minister for Culture, Culture, Communications and Sport if he plans to introduce a new grant scheme for local authorities to fund the development of swimming pools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43468/26]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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The Programme for Government commits to implementing the first-ever National Swimming Strategy by investing in pools and swimming facilities allowing everyone an opportunity to swim.

The Swimming Pool Gap Analysis Report, which was funded by my Department and published by Swim Ireland in December 2025, identified significant deficiencies in Ireland’s aquatic infrastructure and highlighted the need for urgent investment and strategic planning to ensure every Irish person has access to swimming facilities and the life-saving skill of swimming. Many of the gaps in terms of pool condition, supply, energy and sustainability can be addressed via future rounds of the Community Sport Facilities Fund (CSFF) and the Large-Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF). The report is being examined by my Department and will be a key input to the future development of swimming pool facilities by enabling enhanced decision-making with regard to targeting investment more effectively.

Where opportunities arise, specific and targeted measures in addition to the two funding streams can be considered to lend impetus to delivery of the National Swimming Strategy.

I recently confirmed an additional €3.25 million in support to help progress the long-awaited Galway Regional Aquatic Project. The proposed allocation will close the remaining funding gap identified by Galway City Council, enabling the project to move toward the construction phase - subject to completion of due diligence, final business case approval and tender documentation.

To date, €297 million has been allocated under LSSIF including €44.65 million for swimming pool and aquatic infrastructure projects. With regards to a new round of LSSIF, the current focus is on ensuring project delivery under the first two rounds of the LSSIF and this process will inform any decisions regarding the timing of a future round.