Timmy Dooley (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I know the Minister understands the point. He made that very clear. It is important that we build this facility incrementally. Money has been provided, most recently almost €500,000, which is very welcome. Work has been going on over the past eight to ten years. It is at a level where it needs significant investment. That is why I appeal to all concerned at Government level.

The allocation of €3.5 million would make such a difference and bring the facility to a standard that would allow us to develop the next wave of sports for men and women. It is important that the facility is developed in an open and community way, not just for those who happen to be members of the GAA. The team, led by Kieran Keating and Deirdre Murphy, is open to ensuring that the GAA is not behind closed doors or high walls and gates, but, rather, that the facilities are open to everybody. I have no doubt that will continue to be the case.

It is recognised that we need these types of services to get people to remain in sport. We have had good success this year in Clare and want that to continue. We want to be able to keep Kilkenny, Tipperary, Cork and Limerick on their toes. Young people now expect a standard that we did not have in our day and which is available elsewhere. If men and women are to remain involved in the sport, they will expect and need these facilities.

While am making the case for Claire, I am also mindful that this should be a strategic approach generally across the country. It happens to be the case that Clare has an application in this year; I hope other counties that have not already got to this stage will submit applications because that is the future. The funding works well in conjunction with funding for local clubs, which is important. We are thankful for all we have received in that regard.