317 Mr. Doherty asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government his views on whether it is appropriate that Roscommon Town swimming pool should be closed due to lack of funding to carry out the necessary structural improvements in the interest of health and safety. [21477/97]

The operation and routine maintenance of local authority swimming pools are the responsibility of the local authority concerned, in this case Roscommon County Council. I understand that the Roscommon Town swimming pool has been closed since early November and will reopen in January, 1988. I understand also that the temporary closure is not related to health and safety matters.

I refer the Deputy to my reply to Question No. 293 of 25 November, 1997 with regard to the council's proposal for refurbishment work on this pool which is currently before my Department.