Jimmy Deenihan
Question:100 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Education if work will commence on the proposed regional sports centres in 1990; and the amount of finance allocated to the centres in 1990.
Written Answers. - Regional Sports Centres.
The following nine locations were designed as regional sports centres by the Government in 1988: Waterford; Limerick (Thomond College); Sligo; Cork; Athlone; Galway; National Badminton Centre, Baldoyle; National Basketball Centre, Tallaght and Morton Stadium, Santry. The total allocation for the regional centres is £9.35 million.
The current position in relation to each project is as follows:
Waterford Allocation £0.5 million
A 400 metre, eight lane synthetic running track to full international standards together with the development of the infield area, fencing, lighting, car parking and access road has been completed with grant aid of £0.4 million. Proposals for the provision of athletic equipment and for toilets and changing facilities are being finalised by Waterford Corporation. It is expected that these works for which grant aid of £0.1 million is available will be completed in 1990.
Limerick (Thomond College) Allocation £0.9 million
Work will commence shortly on the refurbishment of the athletic track at Thomond College at a cost of approximately £700,000. A fully equipped sports science laboratory for the testing of top class athletes will also be provided from this allocation. In addition a sports related building comprising of squash-handball courts and changing areas is being provided adjacent to the track funded entirely by Thomond fundraising activities and local sources. It is anticipated that the allocation of £900,000 will be expended fully on these developments in 1990.
Cork Allocation £1.75 million;
Sligo Allocation £1.0 million
Development consortia have been invited to submit proposals on a design, construct and manage basis for these projects which comprise of two 25 metre swimming pools. The projects will also include the provision of additional indoor and outdoor sport and leisure facilities financed by the consortium of the designated sites. Following this invitation a number of consortia will be shortlisted to proceed to the detailed design stage. It is expected that construction work will commence in 1990.
Galway Allocation £1.5 million;
Athlone Allocation £1.5 million
My Department is in consultation with the local authorities in relation to the range and location of the facilities to be provided in these centres. These discussions will be completed at an early date with a view to construction work commencing in 1990.
National Badminton Centre
Baldoyle Allocation £100,00
Work has been completed and the total allocation expended with the exception of a small retention amount. This facility comprises an eight court badminton facility complete with spectator and office accommodation, changing and showering facilities.
National Basketball Centre, Tallaght Allocation £800,000
The Irish Basketball Association have prepared preliminary plans for the project and are finalising acquisition of a suitable site. On receipt of planning permission, the remaining planning work can be completed. It is not possible however at this stage to say when construction work will commence.
Morton Stadium, Santry Allocation £1.3 million
Plans are being prepared for the refurbishment of the athletic track which will include lighting, drainage, changing and toilet facilities. It is not possible to give an exact date for commencement of construction.