Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)

I am just trying to find references to Galway here. Creggs rugby club is to get another €14,000, so that will help. Many Senators have outlined the benefits that have derived to projects in their particular areas. Nothing comes to mind more than the massive swimming pool and recreation centre in Roscommon town. The former Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation, Deputy McDaid, was an extremely good friend of Roscommon when that was approved. The Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism should now consider the whole question as to the maintenance of approved projects. The capital costs have been provided, but the ongoing costs of developing projects should be considered. For example, in Ballaghadereen, where more than €300,000 has been collected for the erection of a swimming pool, it will be very difficult to build it without prior commitment as to the maintenance costs. I support that project in Ballaghadereen, which is a growing town. I am sure Senator Feighan will join with me in supporting it as well. An application has been made to the Department by Roscommon County Council for funding for that particular project. I hope that it will be provided.

From a national viewpoint the €103.49 million for Croke Park is a worthy investment. That amount of money has been provided by the Government for Croke Park since 1998. It is a truly magnificent venue and the GAA deserves to be congratulated on its investment in that particular project. It is a state-of-the-art location, providing all the facilities. The GAA showed initiative in taking on the project. Next Monday the detailed design for the Lansdowne Road stadium will be announced, a venue that everyone will be watching tonight. I am sure the Minister of State will be anxious to get away to watch the match at some stage. Again, the Minister is very involved in that particular project. The aquatic centre in Abbotstown, as well, is a great success, irrespective of the teething problems that arise in any project. Anyone who has built a house will have found that problems always arise in this particular regard. The centre was opened in 2003 for the Special Olympics and in time will be a great success.

The Special Olympics was a great indicator of the support for voluntary work in this country. Everyone involved deserves to be congratulated. It was one of the most magnificent events ever witnessed in Ireland. For those of us who were present at the opening and closing ceremonies, it was the great event of 2003. It is to be hoped that in the future, given the investment in sport, we will host the full Olympic Games in Ireland. I am delighted at London's success in getting the Olympics. it will mean a massive spin-off here. Tourism organisations should now be gearing up towards the benefits that will accrue to Ireland because of our proximity. I am sure the national airline will be active in providing fast direct flights.