Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Brophy for injecting an element of calm into the proceedings. Deputy Ryan has gone, so I will leave him alone.

The Government, through Sport Ireland, is committed to the ongoing development of the national sports campus. Sport Ireland is currently reviewing the master plan for the campus development, in consultation with the sporting bodies. The original master plan was drafted in 2004 and there has been substantial progress since then.

The review will be completed later this year and will be aligned with wider Government capital planning. It may also identify other possible projects which would add further value to the existing facilities, subject to available resources.

Work commenced in July 2017 on the development of Phase 2 of the National Indoor Arena and is due for completion in mid-2019. Phase 2 will see the construction of full-sized and half-sized covered synthetic pitches, primarily for soccer and rugby but capable of accommodating all field-sports, together with changing facilities, strength and conditioning facilities, offices and meeting rooms. This covered facility will provide our elite athletes and competitors in the relevant codes with year-round, always open, training facilities regardless of weather conditions, in preparation for competitive fixtures and international tournaments.

As part of the wider partnership strategy for the development of dedicated field-sport training facilities by individual national governing bodies of sport, Sport Ireland approved plans for the phased development of a high performance, all-weather cricket training facility by Cricket Ireland. The facility will comprise both synthetic and turf bowling nets with a turf outfield area. Work on the facility commenced in December 2017 with a scheduled completion date for the first phase of May 2018.

Work on new office accommodation for Sport Ireland and another national governing bodies at the National Sports Campus has commenced with completion expected in mid-2018. In addition, Sport Ireland is examining the feasibility of providing further office accommodation for national governing bodies which have expressed interest in relocating to the campus.

The Government has committed €16 million to develop a national velodrome and badminton centre at the campus in 2020 and 2021. The proposed facility will comprise a 250 metre cycling track, 12 to 16 badminton courts in the in-track area, spectator seating and ancillary facilities including office space. As the first indoor velodrome on the island, this arena will be a hugely valuable resource for our athletes and should also help to increase participation levels in both cycling and badminton.

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