Paul McGrath
Question:203 Mr. McGrath asked the Minister for Education the progress which has been made in relation to the provision of each of the regional sports centres around the country.
Written Answers. - Provision of Sports Centres.
The following nine locations were designated 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 area, access road and track equipment completed with grant aid of £0.5 million.
Limerick (Thomond College): Allocation £0.9 million.
Work will shortly be completed 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.
Cork: Allocation £1.75 million; Sligo: Allocation £1.0 million; Athlone: Allocation £1.5 million.
These projects comprise two 25 metre swimming pools and a multi-purpose indoor sports hall respectively and will include additional sport and leisure facilities funded by the consortia on these sites. A number of consortia have been shortlisted for these projects and are currently preparing detailed design and operational proposals on these centres. It is anticipated that work on all these projects will commence in 1991.
Galway: Allocation £1.5 million.
My Department are in consultation with the local authority in relation to the range and location of the facilities to be provided. These discussions will be completed at an early date with a view to construction work commencing in 1991.
National Badminton Centre (Baldoyle): Allocation £100,000.
Work has been completed and the total allocation expended. This facility comprises an eight court badminton facility completed 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 have sought planning permission. On receipt of planning permission the remaining planning work can be completed. Work is expected to commence in 1991.
Morton Stadium, Santry: Allocation £1.3 million.
Plans are being prepared for the refurbishment of the athletic track, which will include lighting, drainage, changing, toilet facilities and a 1,200 seater stand. It is anticipated that work will commence in 1991.