Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 17: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism further to the performance of the Irish Cricket team in the recent World Cup and in view of the promise to fund a new ground for cricket, his views on whether such a new ground should be built; if he has met the Irish Cricket Union to discuss same; if he will initiate a feasibility study; if such proposals are being considered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19242/07]

Séamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)
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I would like to put on record my pride and delight at the outstanding performance of the Irish Cricket Team who qualified for the Super Eight stage at the Cricket World Cup in the West Indies. This was an unprecedented achievement for the Irish Cricket Team.

The sports capital programme, which is administered by my Department, is the primary means of providing funding to sporting clubs, voluntary and community organisations towards the provision of sporting facilities at local, regional and national level throughout the country. The programme is advertised on an annual basis. All applications received are evaluated against the programme's assessment criteria, which are outlined in the guidelines, terms and conditions of the programme.

I am aware of the wish of the Irish Cricket Union to develop a new ground for cricket in Ireland. In this connection I understand that the Irish Cricket Union has established a committee, chaired by the President of the Union, to draw up proposals and make recommendations in relation to the establishment of this facility. I look forward to receiving these proposals in due course.