Vol. 399 No. 7
157 Mr. McGrath asked the Minister for Education if, in the light of the recent announcement by the Minister of State at her Department regarding regional sports centres, she will outline her plans for the proposed regional centre in Athlone, County Westmeath; her proposals for the site which was allocated for this centre; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Athlone has been designated by Government as the location for a regional sports centre with a fixed capital grant of £1.5 million from the national lottery.
The project will comprise a multipurpose sports hall together with outdoor facilities. Following a formal meeting with the local authority it is proposed to proceed with the procurement of the project on a design, build, finance and manage basis. Offers will be sought from contractors-developers for the design and construction of facilities with the option of the private sector to finance additional indoor and outdoor sport and leisure facilities on the site. Additionally, the private sector will be asked to prepare proposals for the management of the completed facilities.
Arrangements are now being made for the invitation of consortia at a very early date.
