Jerry Buttimer (Cork South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Ceann Comhairle for allowing me to raise this matter on a very emotional and significant day. All politics is local; that is why I am here. On the day we signed the commencement order of the marriage equality Act, I raise the issue of the need for clarity to be provided on the funding for the redevelopment of Páirc Uí Chaoimh in Cork.

The Government has a very proud and strong record on supporting large, important and necessary infrastructure projects in Cork. Deputy Varadkar, the predecessor of the current Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Paschal Donohoe, ensured that, with a limited budget, projects on the south side of the city were funded. The current Minister has announced funding for the Dunkettle interchange and the Cork–Ringaskiddy road under the capital programme. Funding of €10 million has been included for the event centre and funding has been made available for the redevelopment of the historic Beamish and Crawford brewery site.

The other significant project that the Government is committed to involves the provision of €30 million for the redevelopment of Páirc Uí Chaoimh, a development that is necessary and that will provide a significant economic boost for the city during its construction and when the stadium is in use. The estimated total cost on completion is €70 million. The stadium will have a capacity of 45,000. It will be a state-of-the-art facility for players, fans and staff. The investment is not just about the stadium but also about jobs, the development of the marina park and delivering a tourism and economic boost to the area to the tune of €22 million. The combined projects will create employment and see a facility being redeveloped. They will give to a generation of Cork people in the GAA a home for their activities, be it playing matches, training or creating a centre of excellence.

Last month the Cabinet recognised the importance of, and signed off on, the grant of €30 million. We are led to believe, however, that Europe has raised questions about the allocation of the funding. It is important that there be clarity on this. Is Europe becoming too involved, interfering and putting its nose in where it should not be? Is it the case that state rules were misapplied or not applied appropriately? We need certainty at this stage in order that the project can continue and we will see the proper and justified use of taxpayers' money.

As the Minister knows, the Cork county board has done a very significant job in making the finances available along with Government funding. The board is committed to working with all the stakeholders to ensure the project is brought to completion. Without State funding, it would not be possible to deliver the project. If the Government were not involved, no private operator could step in to develop the project. Without Government funding, the redevelopment of Páirc Uí Chaoimh would be unlikely to take place. In saying that, there is a need for clarity and certainty, not only for the people of Cork but also the men and women of Cumann Lúthchleas Gael, all of whom work every day to provide facilities and help young boys and girls to play and train in our Gaelic games.

We know the Government is committed to ensuring this important project is supported and comes to fruition, but it is important that we be assured the Minister and his officials will do everything in their power to ensure the best case is put forward at European level. The project is of importance not only to Cork but also to the wider region, and it is the source of ongoing consultation between the Department and the local team at county board level. It is important to ensure the redevelopment takes place while at the same time ensuring there is transparency and value for money for the taxpayer.

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