Sports Minister Nelson McCausland has announced that Northern Ireland’s first Olympic-sized swimming pool is to be built in Bangor.

The Minister said approval has now been given for the full business case for this 50-metre swimming pool to be built by North Down Borough Council at Valentine’s Playing Fields.

The decision represents a £15 million investment by the department.

“I am pleased that we have reached this point which will allow the project to move forward towards its construction phase, which is currently on target for completion in 2012 and which will create much needed construction jobs,” Mr McCausland said.

“This will be Northern Ireland’s first Olympic-sized swimming pool. As a regional centre of excellence, it will be a state-of-the-art facility to be enjoyed by all the people of Northern Ireland.”

The Minister spoke as he made plans to attend the UK School Games in Cardiff on Thursday. Two hundred school children from Northern Ireland are among the 17,000 young athletes competing in the games.

“Sport is essential for our young people, and DCAL’s (Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure) investment in elite sports facilities is not just about the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, it is about creating a sporting legacy for our young people so they feel inspired to play sport,” the Minister continued.

“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. I look forward to hearing about its progress and to visiting again when building work commences.”

Mayor of North Down, Councillor Tony Hill, said: “North Down Borough Council welcomes Minister McCausland’s statement confirming approval of the full business case and £15m grant for the construction of Northern Ireland's first 50m Olympic-sized swimming pool.

“Much hard work has been put in by members and officers to secure this funding and develop the plans for the pool, as part of a new leisure complex at Valentine’s Playing Fields in Bangor.

“Site clearance is underway and, with the necessary approvals from DCAL in place, we shall now proceed to tender for the appointment of the main contractor. We anticipate full construction work beginning in the Spring of 2010.

“With a two-year build programme, the pool will be available for use as a training base by international teams competing at London 2012. It will, of course, also provide a much needed world class sporting facility for local swimmers competing in all aquatic sports.”