Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 129: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the precise status of the national sports facility strategy; the reason that this report has taken so long to publish; if any of the finished parts of the strategy will be published; when he expects the full report will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2276/09]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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My Department is currently finalising a five-year strategic plan to inform the future development of necessary sporting facilities throughout the country. An inter-agency steering group, chaired by my Department, was established to oversee the development of the strategy, involving both national and international experts in the area of sports facilities, were engaged to assist in the preparation of the strategy.

The aim of the strategy is to provide high-level policy direction for future investment/grant assistance at national, regional and local level. It is intended to identify the facilities requirement for sport so that participation at reasonable cost is feasible for those who wish to engage in sport at either amateur or elite level. The strategy is also examining the wider economic, health and social case for continued investment in sports facilities. It aims to develop an agreed and integrated approach to planning, funding, provision and management of sports facilities and to prioritise areas for future investment to ensure continued impact in the relevant areas.

A wide range of stakeholders were consulted in order to generate a clear picture of the important issues to be considered in the provision of sports facilities including other Government Departments, local authorities, national governing bodies of sport, local sports partnerships, sports clubs and interested individuals.

A thorough international review was also carried out on existing reports, studies and strategies relating to facility provision. Research was carried out into areas such as the links between sports facility provision and participation, sports facility specifications and the motives for investing in sports facilities. On the domestic front, detailed research was carried out on the identification and awareness of various Government strategies and documents which impact on sports facility provision. The strategy is at an advanced stage and it is my intention to publish it once it has been completed and considered by the Government