John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Fianna Fail)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1 and 2 together.

The Government decided in 2004 to proceed, as financial resources permit, with the development of a campus of sports facilities at Abbotstown. Campus and Stadium Ireland Development Limited undertook an in-depth preparatory process, which included engaging with the major governing bodies of sport and stakeholders, and drew up proposals for the development of the sports campus in a series of phases. Phase 1 of the development control plan proposes the development of pitches and ancillary accommodation catering mainly for rugby, soccer and Gaelic games, the sports which engage the greatest number of people in Ireland. In addition, an indoor sports centre is planned, to cater for a range of indoor sports with spectator accommodation and publicly accessible all-weather floodlit synthetic pitches are also included.

The Government had an initial discussion on the proposal last September and requested that further analysis be carried out by the Office of Public Works in connection with the delivery of the project. I have reported to my Cabinet colleagues on the outcome of this additional analysis which will be factored into consideration of the Department's capital envelope for 2006-10 to be published on budget day.

I am hopeful that there will be a positive outcome and, in that eventuality, it is my intention to establish a statutory agency to oversee the Abbotstown project. I am conscious of the need to have top class sports facilities in place in good time to create opportunities which would promote Ireland as a location for foreign teams wishing to avail of training for the London Olympics in 2012.

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