Written answers
Tuesday, 22 March 2005
Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism
Sports Capital Programme
8:00 pm
Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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Question 16: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the financial support being provided to Shamrock Rovers Football Club to allow it to complete its new stadium; the discussions he has had recently with the club in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9187/05]
John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Fianna Fail)
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My Department allocated capital grants totalling â¬2.57 million over the three years 2000 to 2002 in respect of the Shamrock Rovers stadium in Tallaght. This funding was allocated under the sports capital programme, which is administered by this Department to assist projects directly related to the provision of sports and recreational facilities.
So far, â¬2.44 million of this amount has been paid out in respect of works certified by invoices to the value of â¬3.3 million. While responsibility for the delivery of the projects rests entirely with the grantee in all cases of grants allocated under the sports capital programme, nevertheless, the Department has attempted to obtain assurances from the club and the FAI that work on the stadium would recommence and the stadium be completed.
My Department remains in contact with both South Dublin County Council and the Football Association of Ireland with a view to supporting plans for completion of the stadium. As the Deputy is aware, in December 2004 the county council turned down a request from the club for a further extension of 18 months to the duration of the planning permission for the development of the stadium. Arising from that decision, the council initiated a series of discussions with interested parties with a view to the repossession of the property stating that it is the ultimate objective of the council that the proposed stadium be completed and that Shamrock Rovers will play there on completion.
These contacts are continuing and it is to be hoped that they will deliver an outcome which will enable the stadium to be completed. In the event of a satisfactory outcome, South Dublin County Council will consult with my Department on how best to ensure the completion of a sporting facility on the property. In this connection, it would be my intention to support South Dublin County Council in putting together a financial package which would ensure the completion of the stadium. Discussions on the parameters of any such financial assistance will take place when the council has succeeded in regaining ownership of the site.
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