Gay Mitchell (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 114: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the discussions he has had in relation to the suggestion that St. Patrick's Athletic FC should move from Inchicore's Richmond Park; the persons with whom he had such discussions; the content of these discussions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17707/06]

Gay Mitchell (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 115: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his views on the suggestion that St. Patrick Athletic FC should move from Inchicore's Richmond Park; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17738/06]

John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 114 and 115 together.

The Genesis report on the eircom league highlighted the need for Dublin clubs to consider ground sharing as a means of securing the significant public investment required to provide modern city stadia necessary to attract higher attendances. St Patrick's Athletic FC is one of the four main Dublin clubs with which FA Ireland have sought to discuss this concept with, to identify the main issues for the clubs concerned.

The Chief Executive of the FAI has kept me informed on this matter and advised me at our meeting earlier this year, that discussions are ongoing with the clubs involved. It is my understanding that St Patrick's Athletic FC has agreed to explore a number of options including ground sharing at Tallaght. Any proposal involving St Patrick's Athletic FC moving from Inchicore will be a matter for the club itself to decide.