Seán Crowe (Dublin South West, Sinn Fein)

Will this relatively modest capacity be another reason an alternative facility based at Abbotstown is required. My party has no ideological objections to the development of such a facility. We certainly support the development of a state of the art sports facility to cater for other sports. However, we believe that more transparency is required, particularly in regard to precisely what is being proposed for the Abbotstown site.

The text of the Bill does not make the position clear, although the reference in section 7 to professional and amateur sports people clearly allows for scope for the development of a stadium as originally envisaged. Section 8 provides for the involvement of non-statutory bodies that would facilitate such a proposal. In this regard, perhaps the Minister might indicate his thoughts on the Community Games, which many of us support each year, and the whole question of a permanent home for them. I am told they are to be held at Mosney in 2010. As part of this proposal, the Minister might look at the Community Games, as one of the organisations involved with so many young people from different backgrounds, keeping them out of trouble and so on. Anyone who goes to Santry or Mosney every year will see many of those young people representing their communities. In many cases it is their first step on the ladder, and some of them have gone on to gain international recognition and support elsewhere.

It will be interesting to observe what moves follow the likely passing of this Bill and what takes place during the planning process for the re-development of the Lansdowne stadium. I am certain the GAA, at least, will watch closely, as I am aware of a growing feeling among members that they are not being told the full story about the decision to allow international rugby and soccer fixtures in Croke Park during the redevelopment of the IRFU stadium. A number of GAA members who originally supported the opening up of Croke Park to international rugby and soccer including, I am reliably informed, full-time officials, have changed their mind because they believe they have been treated as pawns in a wider game that includes the possible revival of the national stadium proposal.

It is also feared that the short-term contract may need to be extended if the redevelopment of Lansdowne Road stadium runs into difficulties, pending completion of an alternative site, which would obviously take a number of years. In this scenario, the GAA would, once again, be subject to considerable pressure from several quarters to make another magnanimous gesture. Many people feel that such a gesture would not only be at the possible expense of GAA sports but would be used as a fig leaf to cover the failures of others, including the State.

I also strongly believe that while a modern national facility to cater for sports such as athletics and swimming is necessary, priority should be given to the provision of modern facilities at local and regional level. There is no point in having an athletics track capable of hosting international events in Dublin if talented young runners around the country do not have access to adequate training facilities within a reasonable distance of their homes.

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