Dáil Question on public swimming pool for Kildare North

Dáil Question No: 33

To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding the provision of a public swimming pool for Kildare North, particularly considering the long delays to date and the recent closure of the pool at National University of Ireland Maynooth; his views that all efforts need to be made to provide sporting facilities, such as public swimming pools, to local communities to encourage a more active lifestyle; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

For ORAL answer on Wednesday, 23rd September, 2015.

Ref No: 31806/15

Answered by the Minister of State for Sports and Tourism Michael Ring

REPLY

?Minister of State for Tourism and Sport (Deputy Michael Ring): Under the Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme grant aid to a maximum of €3.8 million is provided to local authorities towards the capital costs of new swimming pools or the refurbishment of existing pools.       

The current round of the Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme was closed to new applicants on 31 July 2000.

My priority now is the completion of the projects in the existing Programme.

No decision has been taken on any new round of the Programme. If the Programme re-opens it would be open to each Local Authority, including Kildare County Council, to submit an application under the terms that would apply at that time.

At a recent meeting with Kildare County Council and local representatives, Kildare County Council agreed to write to me in this matter.

I certainly believe that encouraging and supporting participation in sport for all is most important and have a proud track record on investing in facilities.