Minister visits 50 metre pool site

Sports Minister Nelson McCausland today visited the site for the 50 metre swimming pool, which will be built in Bangor by North Down Borough Council.

The Minister said: “I am pleased to visit the site of this flagship project and examine the plans which North Down Borough Council has to provide Northern Ireland’s first Olympic sized swimming pool.

"This project marks the first phase of a major facilities development programme. As a regional centre of excellence this complex will be a state-of-the-art facility to be enjoyed by all the people of Northern Ireland. The project will go a long way towards addressing Northern Ireland’s need for world class sporting facilities and will deliver a sporting infrastructure previously unavailable.

“I wish North Down Borough Council every success for the future development and construction of its new Leisure Complex, which will include the 50 metre pool, and re-iterate my Department’s commitment to this project. I look forward to hearing about its progress and to visiting again when building work is completed.”

The Minister continued: “I am hopeful that in the not too distant future other proposals, currently being examined by Sport Northern Ireland, will be taken forward to provide major sports facilities for the people of Northern Ireland.

“My Department will work in partnership with Sport Northern Ireland and other organisations to take forward the development of these facilities, subject to normal approval processes, which will create a lasting legacy for future generations of athletes of all levels of ability and indeed the wider community.”

Notes to editors:

1. In June 2007 the then Sports Minister, Edwin Poots MLA confirmed North Down Borough Council as the preferred bidder to build Northern Ireland's first 50 metre swimming pool.
2. In March 2006 an Elite Facilities Programme was announced for high priority sports infrastructure projects which would enable winning projects to attract up to 75% of capital costs.
3. The 50 metre pool project is the first phase in the Elite Facilities programme operated by Sport Northern Ireland. Applications to phase two of this programme are currently under consideration by Sport Northern Ireland.
4. North Down Borough Council is to receive up to £15million from DCAL towards the capital costs of building a 50 metre swimming pool in Bangor.
5. The Pool is part of larger leisure complex development being undertaken by North Down Borough Council.
6. For media enquiries contact the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure on 028 9051 5048. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.