The overview of the Stadium and Sports Campus Ireland project conducted by independent consultants High Point Rendel was published on 31 January 2002. The Government has requested me to report on the implications of the HPR recommendations and options and in particular to evaluate the viability of the existing tendering strategy as a basis for any modification of the stadium design and operation, the implications for the Exchequer of the options and recommendations, and the issues raised in paragraph 1.7 of the report. I propose to circulate a copy of this in the Official Report.
I have initiated a process for the consideration of these issues. I will draw on a wide area of expertise and advice so that a thorough evaluation of the recommendations is made to ensure the Government is in a position to reach the best and most appropriate decision on the future of Stadium and Sports Campus Ireland. Until I have completed this evaluation and reported to Government it would be premature to make any statement on the future plans for this project or to speculate on the extent of any future expenditure on the project. However, the Government remains convinced that a stadium project at Abbotstown is both desirable and feasible and that the Abbotstown campus can and will be developed into a vital infrastructure asset for the achievement of national aims in the field of sports, recreation and related tourism.