Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)

I thank the Minister for his documentative reply. This side of the House agrees with and fully supports the development of Lansdowne Road. I have a number of questions and would appreciate it if the Minister answered them. In recent days we saw the findings of a number of surveys which stated alcohol was associated with sport to too high a degree. The new Lansdowne Road stadium will have a total of 2,410 sq. m of bar and licensed restaurant facilities. Croke Park also has such facilities. Is the Minister concerned that once again we must associate alcohol with the development of our national stadia? Must they go hand in hand or can we get the maximum benefit from them without the influence of alcohol? Is alcohol a major player in attracting attendances on the day? Is it fair to state we should ensure the strict criteria which I am sure are in place are adhered to with regard to opening hours for the sale of alcohol in such stadia?

Statements were made with regard to the Dodder and the fact that Dublin City Council must determine the sale of a strip of land adjacent to river to the development company to allow it ensure development of the stadium. Will the Minister comment on this?

Does the Minister still stand over the statement that the maximum funding to be provided by the Department is €190 million? Why will that money be paid upfront rather than in stages? Was it a request from the IRFU and the FAI or did the Government decide to make the payment upfront and allow the two associations to develop the project? What was the idea behind it?

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