John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Fianna Fail)

All else being equal, phase 1 will proceed and will involve a four-year period, but it may be a five-year cycle. The plan for phase 1 would provide pitches and ancillary facilities catering for the three major field games, rugby, soccer and Gaelic games. It would also include an indoor sports centre to cater for a range of indoor sports with spectator accommodation, as well as shared core facilities such as accommodation and fitness gyms. Publicly accessible all-weather floodlit synthetic pitches are also included.

Other developments, including an arena and headquarters for major governing sporting bodies and so forth have been left for consideration in future phases. Provided that phase 1 is completed in the proposed timeframe, a future government may enter into phase 2. I have always acknowledged the support of Deputies Deenihan and Wall for the sports campus project. I anticipate, irrespective of what might happen in an election, we will see a necklace of event centres which would ultimately give to the nation a campus suitable for all types of major international competitions. Sport in Ireland has grown. In 1997, we spent €17 million on sport while today's Estimates show a spend of €155 million. If we are to take advantage of the 2012 London Olympics, it is crucial phase 1 is delivered.

See this speech in context