COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, January 12, 2009

MOTION NO 4.

MOTION: Councillor E. Tuffy

That this Council deplores the announcement by Minister Martin Cullen, in a written reply to a Dail Question on 24 September regarding the Government's Local Authorities Swimming Pools Programme, that "it is not intended to launch a new Programme at this time", condemns the delaying tactics used by the present Government in its responses to queries from this Council about the Programme, and requests the Manager to make a statement on the consequences for the Council's Water Leisure Strategy, and the Council's plans to build a swimming pool in Lucan, of the Government's decision not to launch a new Programme, in contradiction to repeated indications to this Council about the imminent re-opening of the Programme. 

REPORT:

The Department of Arts, Sports and Tourism has not yet formally indicated to the Council when it expects to re-open its swimming pool programme.

The Department of the Environment by circular letter LG /03/ 08 dated 2/4/08 required each Local Authority to carry out a comprehensive audit of all arts, community and sports facilities within its area, this audit has been completed and returned to the Department.

The Community Department have embarked on this route to assist in the wider exercise of putting in place a more strategic approach to provision of facilities generally and ensure the development of necessary sports facilities throughout the country.

In the meantime Community Department has forwarded to the Department its Water Leisure Strategy Review to support the Council’s strategic view in this County.

Work still continues on finalising drawings and costings in preparation for a Part 8 application in anticipation of a decision by the Department.

It is emphasised that the Council is committed to providing this facility for the people of Lucan and surrounding areas and will do so in conjunction with receiving the necessary support from the Department of Arts, Sports and Tourism and subject also to the necessary capital funding being sourced.

Following any announcement of the reopening of the Swimming Pool Programme the Community Department will review likely costs and sources of funding with regard to the project.

In addition there may be further financial challenges with regard to funding ( Revenue and Capital ) going forward which may negatively impact on the Council’s infrastructural programmes.

It will be necessary to await developments and clarifications regarding these challenges before fully assessing this project further.

Community Department is committed to the provision of a swimming pool in Lucan but can only do so within the resources available.

The members will  be kept informed of developments.