COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

south dublin county council crest

MEETING OF LUCAN AREA COMMITTEE

Tuesday, January 22, 2013

QUESTION NO. 14

QUESTION: Councillor C. Jones

"To ask the Manager what is the position regarding the previous plans for a public swimming pool in Lucan, what stage were these plans at, had they reached architectural stage, were they top of the Council's list for new swimming pools before the Government grant scheme was closed to applications and if that scheme reopens will the Council be in a position to apply for funds towards the construction of a swimming pool in Lucan?"

REPLY:

The provision of a swimming pool in Lucan is the next stage in the delivery of The Council's Water Leisure Strategy (as amended).

Concept plans were prepared some time ago but this project is effectively in abeyance, like many other capital projects due to the economic/ financial climate.  The most recent estimate provided by the County Architect was €10.8m which took account of more competitive pricing due to the major downturn in the Construction Sector.

A report on the 3 Year Rolling Capital Program 2013-2015 was presented at the November 2012 OP&F Meeting.   Lucan Swimming Pool falls under the Category of 'Projects planned subject to funding'.  As no funding has been identified no progress is projected in the medium term.  The 3 Year Rolling Capital Program is subject to annual review and report to the full Council.

The previous elements of The Water Leisure Strategy were financed from a combination of Government Grant, Development Levy Receipts and Asset Disposal Receipts.

The Government Swimming Pool Grant Scheme has been closed for a considerable period and revenue from the latter sources has collapsed and is not expected to recover in the short to medium term.  If the Government re-opened the Grant Scheme, the Council would still have a major difficulty in funding the balance.  There would have to be certainty regarding the total funding of the project to support the submission of a grant application.  Consideration would also have to be given to the consequential implications for the revenue budget resulting from the provision of such a facility.