Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme

Grant-aid from the Exchequer is made available to local authorities and bodies supported by local authorities, towards the cost of providing new swimming pools or refurbishing existing pools. The closing date for receipt of applications under the current Programme was 31 July 2000 and since then some 55 applications have or are being dealt with.

Levels of Grant-aid
Under the Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme grants of up to a maximum of €3.8 million are available towards the refurbishment of existing pools or the provision of new pools, subject in either case to the total grant not exceeding 80% of the eligible cost of the project or, in the case of projects located in designated disadvantaged areas, 90% of the eligible cost.

Construction Standards
Pools must be constructed to standards set down in the Department's Procedures for the Planning, Approval and Financing of Swimming Pools and Technical Guidelines - copies of the Guidelines are available, on request, from Sports Unit, Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism, 3rd Floor, Frederick Buildings, South Frederick Street, Dublin 2. Telephone no (01) 631 3938.

Application forms as well as details and guidelines for the programme are available from the Department's website at www.arts-sport-tourism.gov.ie or by email request to sportsunit1@dast.gov.ie or by contacting the Sports Capital Unit, Dept. of Arts, Sport and Tourism, Frederick Buildings, South Frederick Street, Dublin 2. Tel. (01) 6313824 or Lo call 1890 383000 Ext 3824.

Any enquiries can be directed to the Sports Unit, Dept. of Arts, Sport and Tourism, Frederick Buildings, South Frederick Street, Dublin 2. Tel. (01) 631 3914/631 3918/631 3930/631 3942. Lo call 1890 383000.