238 Deputy Ulick Burke asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the progress that has been made in the provision of the new swimming pool in Loughrea, County Galway; the cost of this project; the proposed grant being provided by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2396/10]

On 25 May 2009 my Department informed Galway County Council that a grant capped at €1.7m had been allocated under the Department's Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme towards the construction of a pool at Loughrea. At this stage it is for Galway County Council in consultation with the developer to make progress in moving the project on. In that context I understand that Galway County Council has had further discussions with the Developer in preparation for the commencement of the project. I also understand that the Developer has retained assistance for the completion of the tendering process and has undertaken preliminary work in this regard.