Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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Question 127: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will confirm that phase two of the National Sports Campus in Abbotstown has been postponed as per comments by him (details supplied); the status of phase one plans; if these will be progressing in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2258/09]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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The facilities approved by the Government for development of Phase I of the National Sports Campus at Abbotstown, include:

A National Field Sports Training Centre catering for rugby, soccer, Gaelic games and hockey;

A multi-sport National Indoor Training Centre to provide world class training facilities for over 20 sports;

Sports science and medical facilities;

Accommodation for sports men and women; and

All-weather synthetic pitches for community recreational access.

A Project Management Team and a Design Team was appointed early in 2008 to prepare a detailed design for the facilities envisaged for Phase I. This work is almost finalised and the NSCDA will be ready to submit an application for planning permission.

However, the current difficult economic constraints has meant that no funding has been provided to date to advance the Phase I development during 2009. I am having discussions with the Minister for Finance to see what funding might be available to move forward with Phase I on a phased basis. I am also having discussions with the NSCDA in this regard.

With regard to further phases of the Campus I would like to see the development of facilities such as a Velodrome being developed. Current budgetary constraints do not allow for this at the present time. However, in its planning for the future the NSCDA is making provision for such facilities.