Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)

The agreement made with the operator and owner was that in year one, from May 2008, the rent was set at nil; in year two, from May 2009, it was set at €100,000; in year three, from May 2010, it was set at €200,000; in year four, from May 2011, it was set at €400,000; and in year five, from May 2012, it was set at €500,000. The owner entered into an agreement with the operator expecting this return but the operator was not in a position to provide the rent that had been agreed - that is the problem. The owner, in turn, appointed a liquidator, and the Department, with the Arts Council and the other interested bodies, appointed a receiver to protect the taxpayers' huge investment in this project.

At this stage, the receiver is seeking expressions of interest. There are some interested parties and the receiver is following up to ascertain whether this interest is real and to acquire an operator. It is in all our interests to ensure that this fine state-of-the-art facility continues to be in use and to serve the people, not only of Smithfield and surrounding areas but the people of Dublin and visitors to the country. I agree with the Deputy that the doors should be opened again in this fine facility which exists due to a large investment by the taxpayer.

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