Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)

The issue of this sports campus is another old chestnut. We have been talking about it for as long as I have been elected to this House, namely, some ten years.

I am pleased to note that Fingal County Council has changed its development plan to facilitate the development of the sports campus at Abbotstown, but I am disappointed we are still far removed from earth being turned on the site. I understand the design team has not yet been appointed. Once the team is appointed, its members must design the sports campus. Phase one of the project is a fairly large development and it will take time to complete. Once the design is completed, planning permission will have to be sought and then tendering for the construction work will take place. It seems it will be another five years before any physical work commences on the site.

Will the Minister do what he can to inject some urgency into progressing this project? This is a good time to build a development such as this one because building workers from the housing sector are becoming available and, therefore, labour is available. Also, good prices can be secured for the work. While it is a good time to build such a development, we need to get on with it and avail of the opportunities that exist in the market given the slight slowdown in other sectors of the building industry. The main issue is to get the sports campus up and running and not to waste any more time. It will be 15 years from when the project was first mooted before a shovel will have been put in the ground. The sooner we get on with the work, the better.

I was not aware that a hospice was to be located on the grounds and I am pleased to hear that. In tandem with most people, I am a huge admirer of the work of hospices. I am glad that St. Francis Hospice is being facilitated on these grounds.

Will the Minister bring a sense of urgency to this project to ensure there is no slippage between its various stages?

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