Barry Cowen (Offaly, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

214. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the velodrome and national badminton centre capital project has commenced; if so, the stage the project is at; when the project is expected to go out for tender; when construction will commence; when the project will be completed; the estimated cost of the project; the amount spent to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38079/19]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

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.

Under the National Development Plan 2018-2027, €16m has been committed over the two year period of 2020 and 2021, for the development of a National Velodrome and Badminton Centre at the Campus. It is expected that the proposed facility would comprise a 250-metre cycling track, between 12 and 16 Badminton Courts in the in-track area, some spectator seating and ancillary facilities including office space.

In July 2019, Sport Ireland appointed project managers and a design team to work on the project. Initial work is focussing on matters relating to planning permission and ensuring the end product is designed to be state-of-the-art and fully fit for present and future purposes.  Thereafter, a tender package will be prepared with a formal tender expected to take place in during 2020.  It is expected that, subject to the tendering process producing an acceptable tenderer, construction would commence before the end of 2020.