Mary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)

In tabling my question I had in mind a number of ESRI reports which suggest a shift in focus from capital to current expenditure. I raise this issue against the background of the duplication of resources in certain areas, for example, in the case of clubs seeking to build club houses in areas which have an excellent sports facility. When will the national audit of sports facilities to which the Minister alluded be completed? This audit will provide a good indicator of areas in which there is duplication and gaps that need to be filled.

I welcome the written answer I received from the Minister on a specific local issue I raised in a parliamentary question. It referred to Lourdes Celtic FC, a very good soccer club which is working hard to provide a facility, particularly for younger people. The club does not have a sports pavilion or toilet facilities and members are at their wits' end. This is an example of a small local facility which badly needs an injection of funding at a time when major capital programmes are under way in areas where parallel facilities may be in place.

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