Charlie O'Connor (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 257: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if his attention has been drawn to local media reports (details supplied) in Tallaght, Dublin 24; the views of the local community that this stadium in Tallaght be completed; if discussions are being held with South Dublin County Council, Shamrock Rovers, the GAA and other interests; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4502/06]

John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Fianna Fail)
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I share the view of the local community that the project to develop a stadium at Tallaght should be completed quickly and in a cost efficient manner. My Department has already invested €2.44 million in the development of this stadium. In the period since 2002, when work ceased on the project, my Department has worked closely with South Dublin County Council and the FAI to ensure that the common objective of developing a soccer stadium in Tallaght is achieved.

Following the intervention of South Dublin County Council and its efforts to regain ownership of the site, my Department indicated a willingness to support the council in putting together a financial package that would ensure the early completion of the stadium. This support was based on the plan to provide a soccer stadium for Tallaght which would serve as a viable long-term home for Shamrock Rovers Football Club. South Dublin County Council articulated the proposal in a press release issued following its meeting on 10 January 2005 where it stated that "other non-soccer sporting organisations must develop their own sporting facilities".

I am aware that the FAI has made considerable investment in the project to date. I recently met the chief executive of the FAI, who expressed to me the concerns of his organisation regarding the recent decision of South Dublin County Council on the project. I have also discussed the matter with representatives of the Dublin County Board of the GAA.

It is clear that the original objective of all the parties involved was to develop a modern soccer stadium in Tallaght which together with ancillary facilities would also serve the local community. Given the fact that almost none of the submissions made as part of the public consultation process refer to catering for other sports, it is my belief that the local community supports this objective.

Work has already been undertaken on this development and at this stage there would be considerable cost implications if the stadium had to be adjusted to cater for sports other than soccer. The capacity of the stadium would be reduced and the ground sharing option for two Eircom League clubs, as recommended in the recent Genesis report, would not be achieved. This project has had a difficult history and like those most directly involved over the years, I am anxious that the stadium is completed as a matter of urgency.

I cannot therefore support the recent South Dublin County Council decision to deviate from the previously agreed approach which is likely to lead to further delays and increased costs. My Department is in regular contact and discussions with South Dublin County Council and I remain hopeful that a decision will be made to complete the stadium as originally intended.