Sheila Terry (Fine Gael)

A few months ago I asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism about his plans for Abbotstown. I received a reply some time later stating that initial plans had been drawn up and that they would be brought to Government. However, something has gone wrong since then. According to media reports, the plans have now been shelved or scrapped. I hope the Minister will be able to throw some light on this and explain what has happened.

I live in the area of Abbotstown and there was great concern when the stadium was proposed for the area. The proposal was rejected by the local people because of the lack of proper public transport infrastructure in the area. This land has been in State ownership for many years. The Government has taken steps to move the State Laboratory from the site. I am not sure how much work is being done on the State farms anymore, although there is still some work taking place. The land is extremely valuable but the people of Blanchardstown and surrounding areas have always believed it would be used to provide a national park.

The plans suggested by the Minister were well received by the population of Dublin 15. These plans were for sports facilities and headquarters for national sporting organisations. There has been huge investment in the National Aquatic Centre, which also has problems but I will not discuss them today. The Abbotstown site was to be used to provide sporting facilities to cater for our athletes who wish to train at a high level. Indeed, we are sadly lacking in facilities for people who wish to train for participation in the Olympics. The Minister said previously that the facilities at Abbotstown would be available to athletes who will participate in the London Olympics. It was believed Ireland would have a part to play in the event through providing those facilities. This site, therefore, was to be of benefit both locally and nationally. We need such national facilities for our athletes.

I am concerned about any suggestion that these plans have been scrapped. If they are scrapped, why is that so? Does the Government have another plan for the lands at Abbotstown? Suggestions that any of the land should be sold for housing will be met with enormous resistance. I am not sure if the Minister is familiar with the Blanchardstown area but it has absorbed a huge amount of development. It is built to over-capacity given the infrastructure. The area has absorbed its fair share. The land at Abbotstown has always been earmarked. It was understood that when it ceased to be used by the State Laboratory and farm, it would come into public ownership in terms of providing local and national facilities. I hope the Minister will throw some light on this issue.