Fergal Browne (Fine Gael)

That may well be the case but, according to the report, exceptional storm conditions need not have been present for this damage to occur. I am simply referring to what is stated in the report. The report found that the roof failed due to lack of resistance to the wind suction forces which were exerted on the day of the storm. Those forces did not exceed those which can be estimated for design purposes as possible to occur by reference to normal design code.

In addition, the roof decking did not comply with the normal design codes or with building regulations. These are matters of serious concern. There was also a leak in the swimming pool. The new development authority should examine these issues when it has been appointed.

We need to improve our performance in sport. Our recent record in the Olympic Games and other top class sports events is bad. The only exception is the equine industry, which has had great success. This is particularly so in County Carlow where the triangle of Leighlinbridge, Paulstown and Bagenalstown has produced some of the best horses in the country. These horses have competed in Ireland and the UK. This shows that even though Ireland is a small country, it can compete at the top level abroad. There is no reason this cannot be extended to include athletics through a new generation of athletes similar to John Treacy and other top class athletes. Hopefully, the new centre at Abbotstown will allow that to happen.

This is the first step in a long process. I urge the Minister to ensure that the authority investigates the National Aquatic Centre as a matter of urgency and rectifies whatever problems exist there. Given that there will be further development on the Abbotstown site, it is important that we go forward having learned from the past.

Fine Gael welcomes this Bill and looks forward to a Fine Gael Taoiseach or Minister with responsibility for sport welcoming home many top class athletes bearing gold and silver medals from top international sports events as a result of this development.