Jimmy Deenihan
Question:234 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Education the present position regarding the provision of regional sports centres in the country.
Written Answers. - Regional 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 has been completed with grant aid of £0.5 million.
Limerick (Thomond College) — Allocation £0.9 million: work has been completed on the refurbishment of the athletic track at Thomond College at a cost of approximately £700,000. A sports science laboratory for the testing of top class athletes will also be provided from this allocation.
Cork— Allocation £1.75 million; Sligo — Allocation £0.1 million; Athlone — Allocation £1.5 million: these projects comprise two 25 metre swimming pools at Cork and Sligo and a multi-purpose indoor sports hall in Athlone. A number of consortia were shortlisted to prepare detailed design and operational proposals for which the closing date for the receipt of submissions was 8 February, 1991. The Department are presently examining the submissions received.
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. A 400 metre synthetic running track will form part of the facilities to be provided. It is expected that construction work will commence 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 complete with spectator and other necessary accommodation.
National Basketball Centre, Tallaght — Allocation £800,000: detailed tender documentation for the project is being prepared by the Irish Basketball Association in consultation with my Department following completion of which tenders will be invited. It is expected that construction work will commence in 1991.
Morton Stadium, Santry — Allocation £1.3 million: detailed tender documentation is being prepared for the refurbishment of the athletic track including lighting and drainage of the infield area. Sketch plans have been prepared for a new spectator stand which will include dressing rooms, gymnasium and other ancillary accommodation. It is expected that construction work on the track will commence later this year.