Anthony Lawlor (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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640. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will support a change in the legislation regarding rates paid by sports clubs and organisations, particularly in view of the recent substantial increase in rates paid by two national stadiums, namely, Croke Park and the Aviva Stadium, as this money could be better used by these clubs to facilitate and promote sport in local areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40857/13]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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I have been informed by the IRFU, FAI and GAA that the new valuations issued by the Valuation Office for Croke Park and the Aviva Stadium indicate that there will be a significant increase in the rates payable on each of the venues.

Any increase in rates payable is a direct cost to the sporting organisations and would have a direct impact on the funding available to deliver sports in clubs and communities around the country. In that regard I have therefore outlined my concerns to the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform in the context of the Valuation (Amendment) Bill.