Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

My Department has made a significant investment in partnership with South Dublin County Council. It was made very clear to the council at that stage that the Department's investment was to get the project going, so there is a real role for the council in that regard.

The Department has also been in close contact with Deputy Gino Kenny, who has made many representations and has been a very strong advocate for this project from the outset. In September 2019, I met with the club board and the Department and support was provided at that stage.

We are committed to investments such as this. We want them to reap rewards and produce dividends. That is the basis on which we made the €500,000 investment in the first place. The clear understanding at that time of South Dublin County Council was that it would be for the capital allocation and not for current expenditure or the day-to-day running of the centre. I have no doubt Deputy Ward will also engage with the county council on the matter. The Department will continue to be helpful and will assist to ensure this capital investment does reap real benefits for the club and the local community and we will continue to engage with South Dublin County Council on it as well.

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