Colm Burke (Cork North Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

My question is for Dr. May. In her statement, she said Sport Ireland is the statutory authority tasked with the development of sport in Ireland. It goes back to my question on the issue of Glanmire where there are growing urban areas and about the input of Sport Ireland and indeed the Department with local authorities in making sure there are adequate lands kept for the development of sports facilities. It seems to be very much a hit and miss operation. The local authority grants planning permission for housing. Then we are talking about developing sports facilities at a far later stage. Should Sport Ireland and the Department be far more involved in getting clear targets out to local authorities in dealing with this issue? I know it might be going off the issue slightly but I think it is important because if we do not have facilities, then we cannot have young people involved in sport.