Tommy Broughan (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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562. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when phase two of the National Indoor Arena will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2618/19]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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Sport Ireland, which is funded by my Department, is the statutory body with responsibility for the development of sport, increasing participation at all levels and raising standards, including the development of the Sport Ireland National Sports Campus at Abbotstown.

Work commenced in July 2017 on the development of Phase 2 of the Sport Ireland National Indoor Arena.  The project was due for completion in mid-2019 but it is currently progressing ahead of schedule and is now expected to be completed in March 2019. Phase 2 will see the construction of full-sized and half-sized covered synthetic pitches, primarily for soccer and rugby but capable of accommodating all field-sports, together with changing facilities, strength and conditioning facilities, offices and meeting rooms.

When it is completed, this covered facility will provide our elite athletes and competitors in the relevant codes with year-round, always open, training facilities regardless of weather conditions, in preparation for competitive fixtures and international tournaments.