Joanna Tuffy (Dublin Mid West, Labour)
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Question 89: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will elaborate on the five year strategic plan for the development of future sports funding here; if this is open to submissions from members of the public, politicians, academics and so on; if this is linked with the National Audit of Sports Facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16346/09]

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.

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 Government Departments, local authorities, NGBs, LSPs, sports clubs and interested individuals.

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. The strategy will also take into account the results of the National Audit of Sports Facilities, which is ongoing at the moment.

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.

The strategy is at an advanced stage and prior to finalisation it is my intention to publish on the Department's website and invite views from interested parties.