Dáil debates

Thursday, 17 November 2005

Priority Questions.

Sports Capital Programme.

3:00 pm

Photo of Jimmy DeenihanJimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
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Question 1: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism when funding will be provided to enable the proposed campus Ireland project to commence at Abbotstown; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35007/05]

Photo of Jack WallJack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 2: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the position regarding sports campus Ireland; his views on whether it is vital that the campus be completed on time, in 2010, in order that it can be maximised for use ahead of the 2012 Olympics; his further views on whether plans should be put in place to maximise the use of the facility ahead of the aforementioned Olympic Games; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35011/05]

Photo of John O'DonoghueJohn O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 1 and 2 together.

The Government decided in 2004 to proceed, as financial resources permit, with the development of a campus of sports facilities at Abbotstown. Campus and Stadium Ireland Development Limited undertook an in-depth preparatory process, which included engaging with the major governing bodies of sport and stakeholders, and drew up proposals for the development of the sports campus in a series of phases. Phase 1 of the development control plan proposes the development of pitches and ancillary accommodation catering mainly for rugby, soccer and Gaelic games, the sports which engage the greatest number of people in Ireland. In addition, an indoor sports centre is planned, to cater for a range of indoor sports with spectator accommodation and publicly accessible all-weather floodlit synthetic pitches are also included.

The Government had an initial discussion on the proposal last September and requested that further analysis be carried out by the Office of Public Works in connection with the delivery of the project. I have reported to my Cabinet colleagues on the outcome of this additional analysis which will be factored into consideration of the Department's capital envelope for 2006-10 to be published on budget day.

I am hopeful that there will be a positive outcome and, in that eventuality, it is my intention to establish a statutory agency to oversee the Abbotstown project. I am conscious of the need to have top class sports facilities in place in good time to create opportunities which would promote Ireland as a location for foreign teams wishing to avail of training for the London Olympics in 2012.

Photo of Jimmy DeenihanJimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
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Whereas I am pleased with the Minister's reply to some extent, I am somewhat disappointed that provision was not made in today's Estimates for the sports campus development. However, the Minister has indicated provision for it will be made in the budget and I look forward to such an announcement.

I stress the importance of this facility for Irish sport. It is vital that it is provided to ensure Irish sport can compete at international level. It is also critical for so many of our young athletes so as to develop their talents to compete internationally for Ireland. This would be a centre for excellence, an academy for sport and cover all the main national outdoor sports.

Will the Minister give a commitment that moneys will be provided in the budget? Will he give an indication of when work will commence on the campus? How long will it take to develop the campus? It is important it starts in time so that Irish and international Olympic teams can avail of its facilities for the 2012 games in London.

Photo of John O'DonoghueJohn O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Fianna Fail)
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Today's Estimates relate only to current expenditure. It is anticipated that capital projects will be announced later. Some work needs to be done on the Abbotstown campus proposal. We would have to enter into arrangements for funding over four years for phase 1 of the programme. It will be decided in the current discussions with the Minister for Finance on the capital provision for the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism. Campus Stadium Ireland Development Limited was asked to prepare a list of priorities on the construction of the sports campus for consideration. The company did so and those proposals have been presented in the usual manner to the Minister for Finance. We must await announcements by the Minister for Finance on the capital budget provision. I expect that will be done either before or during the budget speech.

Photo of Jack WallJack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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My predecessor, Deputy O'Shea, and I fully support the establishment of such a sports facility. Given the costs that will be incurred to send a team to the Beijing Olympic Games, the real aim of all sporting disciplines will be the 2012 games in London. Not since 1948, have we had a better opportunity to send teams to the games. London has a similar climate to Ireland's climate which will also be helpful to an Irish team. However, we will want the team prepared to the highest level of excellence. The proposed sports campus gives us the ideal opportunity to achieve this.

The Minister stated that the funding for phase 1 will come over four years. Has it been decided what phase 1 and the subsequent phases will involve? This will play a large role for the different disciplines in their planning for the 2012 games. Will the Minister give a timeframe of what will be available to our sportsmen and sportswomen? The team being sent to London will possibly be the largest Olympic team in our lifetimes. It offers a wonderful opportunity to us to have the strongest team too.

Photo of John O'DonoghueJohn O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Fianna Fail)
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All else being equal, phase 1 will proceed and will involve a four-year period, but it may be a five-year cycle. The plan for phase 1 would provide pitches and ancillary facilities catering for the three major field games, rugby, soccer and Gaelic games. It would also include an indoor sports centre to cater for a range of indoor sports with spectator accommodation, as well as shared core facilities such as accommodation and fitness gyms. Publicly accessible all-weather floodlit synthetic pitches are also included.

Other developments, including an arena and headquarters for major governing sporting bodies and so forth have been left for consideration in future phases. Provided that phase 1 is completed in the proposed timeframe, a future government may enter into phase 2. I have always acknowledged the support of Deputies Deenihan and Wall for the sports campus project. I anticipate, irrespective of what might happen in an election, we will see a necklace of event centres which would ultimately give to the nation a campus suitable for all types of major international competitions. Sport in Ireland has grown. In 1997, we spent €17 million on sport while today's Estimates show a spend of €155 million. If we are to take advantage of the 2012 London Olympics, it is crucial phase 1 is delivered.

Photo of Jimmy DeenihanJimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
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Does the Minister believe a realistic start will be made on the sports campus in 2006? Will the Minister give a commitment or a strong indication that money will be provided for this development in the budget? The Minister mentioned a necklace of facilities, and I ask him his plans for regional facilities throughout Ireland. It is one thing to have a campus in Abbotstown but another to look after young athletes in different regions. Is there a plan, parallel to the campus development, for the rest of the country? There has been much talk of an institute of sport in this country, but does this proposal incorporate the development of such an institute, which has been proposed by previous Ministers and others?

Photo of John O'DonoghueJohn O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Fianna Fail)
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To answer the Deputy's last question, there is no provision in the first phase of the proposed Abbotstown project for aninstitute of sport. The Irish Sports Council is compiling a proposal for an institute of sport for presentation to Government. That proposal is at an advanced stage and I expect to receive it soon.

With regard to the construction of regional facilities across the country, Deputy Deenihan is aware of a number of such facilities, not least in his constituency. In Castleisland, for example, An Ríocht has a fine athletics centre. Other such centres for different sports are evident throughout the country. There is no parallel formalised plan for the construction of regional sports centres across the country. I have concentrated my energy on whether it is first possible to initiate the first phase of the Abbotstown project. Future consideration should be given to the matter.