asked the Minister for Education when it is hoped to provide a national sports stadium designed to Olympic standards; and if she will consult with all sporting bodies with a view to providing such a stadium in Dublin city.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - National Sports Centre.
9.
A committee have been established by Cospóir, the National Sports Council, to examine the requirements of a national sports centre. The national governing bodies of sport have already been consulted on a wide range of issues, including the possible location of such a centre. When the committee's report and recommendations have been completed it will be necessary to have them submitted to my Department for consideration.
Will the decision rest with the Department as to the provision of a national sports headquarters and, if so, will the Minister ensure that the facility is provided in our capital city?
As I have explained in reply to Deputy Taylor, it is not my intention to make a decision or even a recommendation at this stage. I am waiting for the reports and the submissions from the governing bodies of sport to the committee that were set up. When their report is completed I will be discussing in detail with the committee all aspects of the provision of a national sports centre. On the matter of location, I would not be prepared at this stage to rule out or to decide on any area. It would be unfair of me to make any such recommendation at this stage.
Will the Minister confirm that he has received a submission from my home town of Athlone that it be considered as the location for a national sports centre? Can he outline his response as to the suitability of Athlone for this purpose? Situated as it is, in the centre of the country, it would be an ideal location.
I can only assure the Deputy that the submission from Athlone UDC and from Westmeath County Council will be considered in great detail. I am sure Deputies will understand my position. There would be no point in setting up a committee if I were to make the decisions. The purpose of setting up the committee was to have every application examined. I assure the Deputies that many other local authorities have made submissions in this matter also and that some of these, too, are claiming to be close to the centre of the country.
But the Minister will agree that Athlone is in the centre of Ireland.
The question has been answered fully in the opinion of the Chair but I shall allow a further short supplementary.
Is the Minister aware that Dublin County Council have entered into negotiations with the former owners of Baldoyle Racecourse and in making up his mind as to the location for the centre, will he keep that site in mind as one that would be ideal for the purpose?
We have offered 40 acres for the site.
I would advise the Deputies at this stage not to fight among themselves as to where the centre might be located. I am very pleased that there is so much interest in the matter of the location of the centre. As to the negotiations between Dublin County Council and the people to whom Deputy Cosgrave referred, I am sure that position will be taken into account also.
Will the same apply in the case of Westmeath County Council?
Of course.
Is there a proposal that the national lottery should be used as a means of funding the establishment of a sports centre?
That is a separate question.
Is the Minister aware of concern among sporting organisations nationally in regard to taking from the lottery for other purposes?
That is a totally separate question.