Gary Gannon (Dublin Central, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for the response, in particular in regard to Alfie Byrne Park. It is not a place that many people in the city are aware of as it is somewhat out of the way, just off the North Strand, between Clontarf and East Wall. However, it is a place of massive opportunity. What it requires, which is why I am raising it in the House today, is leadership from all arms of the State. Dublin City Council has only now started to demonstrate an enthusiasm for this plan. I think it requires Dublin City Council and the State to come in and back that ambition.

Where we are seeing ambition for that site and for the wider community is from the local club members themselves, in particular people like Daniel Ennis and Vincent Butler, who have contributed massively to the northside of Dublin, Vincent for over four decades, and Daniel is starting to catch up, although a much younger man. What they are doing shows a lot of heart. They gain no advantage from this, other than to contribute to this community. They have identified needs. They have focused on the football but not necessarily from the glory aspect of it, and they are working with kids at all levels and from all age groups and genders. They have made massive strides in terms of welcoming the new communities that we have seen in East Wall. They are really passionate about that area but they need the infrastructure to match the ambition they are displaying.

That is why I am proud to bring their proposal to the Minister of State today and very glad to hear the substance of his contribution. I hope he will continue to engage with the Government on that. East Wall, North Strand and the surrounding areas are places with massive heart. If they can provide sports, as they have been doing in quite difficult circumstances, and if we can invest in these sports complexes, we can enhance that area substantially. There is a dearth of infrastructure and the plan we have, in particular for children with additional needs, would make a massive difference. As he is a member of Government, I urge the Minister of State to take this plan and bring it forward. I thank him for his contribution.

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