Mr. Paul McDermott:

That is one part of it. It is possibly the last major piece of infrastructure in the national sporting facilities we need. We have a very strong track cycling team, able bodied and Paralympic. I hope people enjoyed the outstanding success of our paralympians last year. The paralympic programme resides within Cycling Ireland as part of its high performance programme. It is broadly acknowledged that the sprint disciplines in the velodrome cannot really be done by people travelling backwards and forwards so it will really open up the sprint disciplines in the track cycling for European, World, Olympic and Paralympic. We will be able to expand the track programme, not only at global and international competition but also at national level. It will be a new and exciting offering for the cycling community because it is an important discipline. The Deputy referred to safety. Unfortunately it gets dark and wet in Ireland in winter. Having a velodrome will be an asset to the whole cycling community and hopefully the community in west Dublin who are closer to Abbotstown.

From talking to the high performance director of cycling and various executives over the years, what they are most excited about is being able to operate and develop coaching programmes within Cycling Ireland. We will be able to develop coaching, cyclists and a lot of cycling expertise. There will be no shortage of usage for the velodrome. We have been able to generate quite a significant amount of success. It is not untypical that high performance athletes are used to travelling and training overseas but it will definitely be a landmark, pivotal moment for cycling in Ireland. It will be hugely exciting. We know that Cycling Ireland has plans and will be able to use it to its upmost for coaching, technical expertise, Paralympics, the able-bodied Olympic team and generally for clubs and others who want to expand and engage track cyclists. It will be very exciting.