Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 7: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the position regarding Sports Campus Ireland; if it is on schedule; 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; if such plans are in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2495/06]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 16: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if the further analysis requested by the Government from the Office of Public Works into phase 1 of the proposed development of sporting facilities at Abbotstown in west Dublin is complete; when this analysis and proposals in this regard will be brought to Cabinet; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2518/06]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 75: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his future plans for Campus Stadium Ireland, Abbotstown; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2726/06]

John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 7, 16 and 75 together.

Following a decision in principle taken by the Government in 2004, Deputies will recall that Campus and Stadium Ireland Development Limited, CSID, undertook an indepth preparatory process and drew up proposals for the development of the sports campus in a series of phases. Phase I of the development control plan proposed 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 early last autumn and requested that further analysis be carried out by the Office of Public Works in connection with the delivery of the project. I reported to my Cabinet colleagues on the outcome of this additional work in November 2005. The Government gave its assent to the project and funds for the delivery of the project have been provided in my Department's capital envelope for 2006-10.

CSID, the company charged with developing the campus project, has taken the planning and preparation of the project forward since that date and has laid down a challenging schedule for the coming years to put in place this welcome and much needed programme of sports facilities which will enable Irish sports men and women to benefit from state-of-the-art facilities here in Ireland, as is only appropriate. The estimated cost of the project is €119 million. A sum of €9.5 million has been provided in my Department's budget for 2006 and funding has been agreed for the period 2007-10.

CSID is now proceeding to implement the Government decision. In addition to providing the sports facilities I have just listed, discussions have commenced, with the approval of the Government, on providing a site for a hospice on land adjacent to Connolly Hospital and talks are already under way with the FAI about the location of a new headquarters for the organisation in the former State Laboratory building at Abbotstown.

As regards the opportunities which will be opened up by the London Olympics in 2012, I am very conscious of the need to have top class sports facilities in place in time to provide good training opportunities for Irish athletes, and at the same time promote Ireland as a location for foreign teams wishing to avail of training for these games. Clearly, the timely development of a sports campus at Abbotstown, together with the other major facilities already in place, will be a key element to Ireland's capacity to provide state-of-the-art training facilities which would attract competing athletes to locate here.

To give added impetus to the drive to capitalise on the opportunities of the London Olympics and to ensure a joined up approach which would take account of sporting, tourism, commercial and economic considerations, I intend to establish an inter-agency group to co-ordinate and support the work of the agencies already working in this area.

Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I welcome the fact that this development has finally been put in place and that we will see progress from this year with the completion of the first phase in 2010. The obvious need for this facility has been stressed by various spokespersons and the Minister over a long period of time. It is welcome news for the various sports that will be facilitated at Abbotstown.

In regard to the FAI, will the costings involved be underpinned by the sale of the Merrion Square facility which it currently owns? The Minister stated that 30 minority sports would be facilitated. Will this just be in terms of the sports campus or will these sports have administrative back-up facilities provided to them? A shared approach to administration, computer facilities and so on could be of major benefit to minority sports that make a significant contribution in terms of the development of sport in Ireland. Is that a feasible proposition? Most small sporting bodies are hampered by the prohibitive costs associated with administration and if something could be done about this we could see these sports gaining a new momentum. These groups do not have the kind of following associated with the GAA, the FAI or the IRFU and lack the funds to develop their facilities. It would be of benefit to them if the administrative burden associated with running competitions, keeping track of membership and so on could be reduced or done on a collective basis. I listened today to the radio to some of those hoping to participate in the Winter Olympics. One can see the costs that such people must bear on a personal basis as well as the costs for organisations. If something like that could be done, it would make a major difference in the future for the overall perspective of developing sport in all the sectors and associations involved.

John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Campus Stadium Ireland Development Company is in negotiations with the FAI regarding the possibility of the latter moving its administrative offices to the laboratories at Abbotstown once they have been refurbished. In addition, discussions are under way with national governing bodies of sport in charge of what I may describe as minority sports in the country with a view to seeing whether user agreements can be negotiated with them to provide administrative offices for them. All of this is very welcome because clearly it means that administrative costs are reduced. I do not know what the FAI will do with its Merrion Square offices, which is a matter for the FAI itself.

With regard to the provision of facilities, the indoor arena at Abbotstown will provide for more than 30 minority sports. That is a major development. Regarding the cost of running competitions and being involved in sport, I recognise that the unsung heroes and heroines of Irish sport are the 400,000 among the population who devote their time and energy to promoting sport, particularly among young people.

Funding for the Irish Sports Council, which was given statutory recognition in the year 2000, has increased considerably over the past five to six years. In 2000, its budget was €13 million while this year its budget is €40.9 million. Accordingly there is much more money available for distribution to the national governing bodies of sport. At a very pleasant function at lunchtime today, we announced core funding of €7.5 million for the national governing bodies of sport and they were very appreciative of that. Further announcements on disbursements by the Sports Council will be made as the year goes on. We have certainly improved the position of the national governing bodies of sport and are seeking to improve it further.

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

With regard to the National Aquatic Centre at Campus Stadium Ireland, has a structural report been prepared on the reported defects of the building? A structural review was carried out on the part of the building damaged by storm in early 2005, and at the time I called for a structural report on the entire building. Has that been carried out and have defects been identified? If so, have they been repaired? Is the Minister happy that the National Aquatic Centre is now in good working order and that there will be no further problems with structural defects to the building?

With regard to the concentration of facilities on Campus Stadium Ireland, which I agree with and always supported, not all athletes will have access to these facilities because of distance. Has the Minister a spatial strategy for sport whereby there would be facilities in all regions so that all our athletes and potential athletes will have access to top-class facilities? There are no other comparable facilities to those in Limerick and Campus Stadium Ireland to accommodate all junior and budding athletes and senior athletes, and they will not be able to reach their full potential unless they have ready access within short travelling time to top-class facilities.

John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

During the severe weather conditions experienced in the west Dublin area on 1 January 2005, damage was caused to the National Aquatic Centre. The roof of the 50-metre diving pool was damaged, as was the roof of the leisure water area, in addition to damage to lights and fittings around the complex. Kavanagh Mansfield and Partners, consulting structural and civil engineers, were commissioned to examine the damage and oversee the repairs. Repair works for the National Aquatic Centre were completed on 20 May 2005 and the centre was reopened to the public on that date. Kavanagh Mansfield and Partners have certified that the programme of works was carried out in accordance with the requirements of the design and secured certification from the designers, contractors and subcontractors for the various elements of the works.

To date, no State expenditure has been incurred in this work. Campus Stadium Ireland Development Company has taken an approach that payment for the repairs is a matter for the contractor and the insurer to resolve between them.

In June 2005 there were media reports about alleged leaks at the National Aquatic Centre. These stories were unfounded and may have been connected — I do not know — with other extraneous issues. Arising from those reports, Campus and Stadium Ireland Development Limited arranged that Rohcon Limited, the company which constructed the National Aquatic Centre, should carry out an inspection of it. The inspection team conducted a technical examination of the entire centre with particular reference to the structural integrity of the concrete works. The inspection involved experts in the field. It was led by Rohcon and included S&P Architects, URS Structural Engineering, Europools, specialist subcontractors, Davis Langton, PKS Project Management and Kavanagh Mansfield and Partners, consulting structural and civil engineers.

Rohcon found no evidence of any structural defects or of any water leaking into the plant, despite what had been alleged in the media. The company found some leakage through pipe joints and valves, which in its view was an operational and not a structural matter. In addition, a test was carried out which confirmed there were no leaks from the swimming pools. URS Structural Engineering confirmed the concrete works were designed and constructed to meet the British standard 8007. They confirmed that any cracks which existed were not leaking, were not of a structural nature and were entirely normal for a building of this type. Rohcon published the results of its findings on 7 July. Campus Stadium Ireland received a separate report from its own structural engineers, Kavanagh Mansfield and Partners, which supported the Rohcon findings, but unfortunately these reports, stating there were no leaks, received very little coverage in the media. The original media reports were unfounded, untrue and incorrect.

Deputy Deenihan spoke of the possibility of providing other centres of excellence throughout the country. Unfortunately, resources only go so far. We have had a very successful battle with a view to providing funding to start the first phase at Abbotstown. I also appreciate the encouragement and support received from both principal Opposition spokespersons in this respect. I anticipate that in future years, Governments will add pearls to the Abbotstown necklace and will end up with a sports campus of international standard which will be capable of hosting any event.

The provision of further facilities throughout the country is dependent on the sports capital programme. As I said earlier, we have provided almost 5,000 facilities at a cost of €395 million in every city, town, village and parish. We have touched every home. I hope these facilities will help people to participate but, unfortunately, we cannot have an Abbotstown in every parish.

Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Is any costing available for the necessary refurbishment of the offices at Abbotstown? Is that figure available to the Minister? I understand that the overall cost of changing the similar agricultural aspect at Celbridge came to either €116 million or €165 million

John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The intention is to begin the work on the laboratories this year and the provision by my Department for this year is €9.5 million. I do not know if that will cover the entire cost but anticipate it will and that we will be in a position to refurbish and accommodate the FAI, I hope by the end of the year and certainly by next year. This will be of considerable assistance to the association. I do not know the precise figure involved, but the provision for this year is €9.5 million.

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Will the entire site of approximately 500 acres be used for sporting facilities or is it planned to sell off part of the site for housing as mentioned in the Dáil this week? Did the Minister see the proposal from a particular organisation to establish a race track there?

John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

While I have heard of proposals to have an indoor or even an outdoor track at Abbotstown, I have not received a formal proposal unless Horse Racing Ireland has one. That is a matter that would receive consideration if it was put forward. It was part of the agreement with the Minister for Finance that a portion of the land at Abbotstown would be utilised for commercial purposes and that negotiations would take place with the relevant local authority to see whether planning permission could be forthcoming. It was intended that the funding that would be acquired from the sale of that portion of land would be utilised to finance the campus at Abbotstown. Either way sufficient land will be available to provide a centre of sporting excellence at Abbotstown. It is my wish and fervent hope that future governments, regardless of political persuasion, will continue to put pearls on the Abbotstown necklace.

Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Regarding the 30 minority sports, is that the number that have applied or the number that can be facilitated? Is there room for manoeuvre on that figure? It would be a pity to get this far if there was a cap on the number that could be facilitated. Is that the number of applications or the figure the Minister believes will be the total?

John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

It is the latter. I believe the figure will be in the order of 30 or 32.