Thomas Byrne (Meath East, Fianna Fail)
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In November 2022, the Government approved a new Masterplan for the development of the Sport Ireland National Sports Campus. The Masterplan provides a framework for the further development of the campus over the next 15 to 20 years and identifies the next key high-level projects for development.

The first high-level project for delivery under the new masterplan is likely to be the National Velodrome and Badminton Centre which is specifically highlighted in the current National Development Plan. This project will address the need to provide world-class track cycling facilities for our athletes who currently have to travel abroad for both training and competition as well as providing the sport of badminton with integrated training, gym and medical facilities. Planning permission for this project was awarded by Fingal County Council in January 2023 and the project is now at pre-tender approval stage under the Public Spending Code.

Following commencement of the Velodrome project, it is planned that the development of additional office accommodation for National Governing Bodies of Sport and athlete accommodation will be the next key high-level projects progressed.

In addition, Minister Martin and I wrote to Sport Ireland earlier this year to confirm that we are agreeable to Sport Ireland commencing the procedures required under the Public Spending Code to allow the Department to consider a proposal for the development of a permanent home for Irish cricket, including the development of a Cricket Oval and any other related developments, at the Sport Ireland National Sports Campus. A preliminary business case has been recently received and is being reviewed by my officials.

My Department will be engaging with the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform in relation to funding to progress the key high level projects identified in the Campus Masterplan, with a specific near term focus on the National Velodrome and Badminton Centre.

In May, I was pleased to open a new building on the Campus, comprising offices for the Olympic Federation of Ireland (OFI) along with a separate dedicated athlete lounge which provides athletes with a space for rest and recuperation between training sessions. This building marks another milestone in Sport Ireland’s and the OFI’s preparations for the Olympic Games in Paris 2024.