Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael)
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Question 86: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the subsidy that is required for the National Aquatic Centre for the year 2008; the subsidy that was paid in 2007; and if any subsidy is envisaged for 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41237/08]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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The National Aquatic Centre is operated by NSCDA (Operations) Ltd., a subsidiary company of the National Sports Campus Development Authority. All day-to-day operations of the National Aquatic Centre are a matter for the Authority and the operations company. Following the restoration of possession of the National Aquatic Centre to the then Campus and Stadium Ireland Development Ltd. on 1 December 2006, an extensive capital programme was undertaken to restore the Centre to its original condition. Much effort has gone into rebuilding the reputation of the Centre and increasing its customer base. An initial subsidy of €1.8 million was required for the Centre in its first full year of operation under the National Sports Campus Development Authority. Following the first full year of operation under the new arrangements, a clearer picture of the operational needs of the Centre is emerging. I am encouraged by the significant increase in both visitor numbers and income which is being achieved to date.

The Authority has arranged for a financial assessment study, which will benchmark the National Aquatic Centre against other equivalent facilities, to be carried out. This work is now nearing completion. When the consultants' report comes to hand it will be evaluated by the Authority who will advise me on the issues involved. This exercise, together with the Centre's performance since it reverted to the direct control of the Authority, will inform my decisions on the funding requirements of the Centre both in the short and longer terms.