andMr. M. Cosgrave asked the Minister for Education if he will consider the provision of a tartan track at the Billy Morton Stadium, Santry, County Dublin, to cater for the growing number of athletes in the north city and county area, thus bringing this stadium up to international athletic standards.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Tartan Track.
38.
I have had many discussions with representatives of the Clonliffe Harriers Club regarding the overall development of the Billy Morton Stadium, Santry, including the provision of a tartan track. More recently I arranged discussions with Clonliffe Harriers, Dublin Corporation and Dublin County Council on this matter. It is hoped that there will be an agreement reached as to the long-term development of the stadium. In the meantime, certain works will be carried out at the Santry Stadium under the temporary grant scheme for youth employment.
Is the Minister aware that parties from the north city and north county find it virtually impossible to avail of the facilities and would he agree that, as the late Billy Morton pioneered the track in Dublin on which the four-minute mile was first broken in this country, it is entitled to special consideration? Cork is to have a tartan track——
And so is Tullamore.
The Deputy is a fount of information.
——and would the Minister not agree that the north city of Dublin is entitled to consideration?
I would like to assure the Deputy my consideration for Santry extends back to the time when the late Billy Morton was pioneering the stadium. In regard to my holding this office formerly in 1973, I had already established consultation with Clonliffe with a view to developing Santry Stadium. On the other hand, the Deputy will appreciate that the locating of a tartan track in Santry Stadium has given rise to difficulties and the difficulties have been compounded to some extent by the fact that one such track was provided on the south side of the city, which seems to be the source of the Deputy's complaint, but that does not help Santry.
The Minister has already promised to finance the track in Cork. Would he be willing to offer financial aid to the Clonliffe Harriers in Santry Stadium for the provision of a similar track there?
The Minister has no parochial outlook in regard to the destination of the money and the Deputy can be quite sure that my interest in Clonliffe is comparable to his own. In regard to the provision of moneys, I would hope that moneys will be made available in due course for the provision of a tartan track in Santry.
The Minister's undoubted interest was evidenced in his time in Dublin Corporation. I have no doubt he has a very sincere interest. Would it be of any help to the Minister if I tabled a motion to the corporation asking that body to provide funds?
I indicated in my reply that I have already had consultations with Dublin Corporation and had their agreement to what I regard as a tripartite, a shamrock—sorry, make it four—development of Santry Stadium, a development in which they, the State, Clonliffe and Dublin county will be involved, and any further cooperation Deputy Belton, Deputy Cosgrave, or any other Deputy can give in that regard will be much appreciated.
Does this development include the provision of a tartan track?
The provision of a tartan track has not been excluded.
Would the Minister agree that in order to bring Santry Stadium up to international standards it is necessary to have a tartan track?
The Minister agrees, yes.
Will he pursue all means of having the necessary money provided?
The Minister has already arranged to provide money for this track.
Has the Minister any estimate of the number of young people who would be employed if this work were carried out?
I am calling Question No. 39.
That does not arise on the question and I must obey the Chair.