Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)

It is unlikely it will be possible to spend the full €160 million in the next three years. I do not want to see the project abandoned. It is too central to the development of sport in this country and the ability to attract many different nations here prior to the 2012 Olympic Games. The Australians have already made inquiries about the National Aquatic Centre. They have seen it and believe it is a wonderful facility for swimming, diving and training. I would like to enhance the aquatic centre site at Abbotstown by providing some more facilities, which I hope will be built over the coming years. I am considering the cost of this in addition to the structure to ascertain what we can deliver.

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