Mr. Sean Benton:

I thank the Senator for the remarks about developments at the campus. As he knows, the campus was on a life support machine for quite a long time and the challenge facing the authority was to bring on stream the much-needed facilities on a cost-effective basis. We have been quite successful in doing so. Mr. Conway has indicated how we carried out various developments by recycling many existing buildings. The FAI headquarters is in a refurbished building and the 19 national governing bodies in the sports headquarters also occupy a refurbished building. The equestrian arena consists of the walled garden being brought into very effective use. The facilities for pentathlon, as well as fencing, shooting and the rest, are also in a refurbished location. They have been very cost-effective developments providing high quality facilities. The big breakthrough came with partnership arrangements with the major sports, with €500,000 promised to each in matching funds, and we know the GAA and the FAI will spend multiples of that. We are still negotiating with the IRFU and the hockey body with regard to their development.

The Senator specifically asked about the arena and a hope that the facilities will be brought on line. With the funding put in place, it is planned to start work this year. We have come from the blocks very fast and there are professional design teams in place to work up the necessary procurement documentation. Our timeframe puts the on-site start before the end of the year. To accelerate the bringing on line of facilities at the institute, we are separating them from the arena. That work will also start before the end of the year. I am quite excited about what is happening on the campus. The Minister has taken us off the life support machine and put us through whatever rehabilitation process was required. We are now competing at a top level. The prospects are good.

The Senator asked about what is happening nationally and there is a great opportunity to examine requirements. It will be part of the brief of sport Ireland to see what is needed nationally. My comments refer to facilities specifically, and that will be an important part of the brief for sport Ireland. The Senator asked particularly about organisations like the GAA, and in my experience there is much happening at a local level at GAA facilities. That is not always publicised but I am familiar with areas where there is a range of ongoing activities. More of that should be encouraged and sport Ireland will be in a position to do that. The same applies to the FAI and what it does.

The Senator asked about minor sports that are not in a position to pony up money. He can see what we have done with the pentathlon, shooting and fencing, as well as diving. We have not required people to make a certain level of investment but there are arrangements where they contribute on a so-called community commercial basis. That ensures they get the required facilities at minimum cost.