Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)

I welcome the Minister's statement on the GAA grounds. He might want to check the record to ascertain whether St. Conleth's Park was included. Although it was not the Minister's fault, I understand it was not included and that the funding was not drawn down on that occasion.

The thinking behind this question relates to the major demand for funding at Semple Stadium and Fitzgerald Stadium. Both stadia are entrenched in GAA folklore and, apart from Croke Park, are the two most famous stadia in the country. The estimated cost of a refurbishment of Semple Stadium is €18 million. It is difficult to foresee the GAA, the Tipperary County Board or the Munster Council being able to raise that amount. With that in mind, I put down this question to discover the Minister's position in regard to the two stadia, given their importance in the history of the GAA. In latter years, we have seen all-Ireland finals played in Thurles when they had always previously been played in Croke Park.

I accept the Minister's position on proposals yet to be put to him by the GAA. Will the Minister and his Department look beyond the position that operated heretofore with regard to grounds? No other grounds will demand as much funding for development as Semple Stadium and Fitzgerald Stadium, and €18 million was not invested in any other county ground, by a long shot. Given their importance to the structure of the GAA, will the Government, through the Minister and his Department, look favourably on applications for Semple Stadium and Fitzgerald Stadium?

See this speech in context