Ivor Callely
Question:198 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Education if she will give details on the progress with the national sports centre; the facilities to be included; and time scale for opening of the centre.
Written Answers. - National Sports Centre Project.
The Custom House Docks Development Authority, who are my Department's development agent for the project, have either acquired or agreed terms for approximately 90 per cent of the site for the national sports centre and negotiations are on-going for the acquisition of the remainder of the site.
Offers were received from 14 consortia on a design, finance, build and manage basis and from these four consortia were shortlisted to proceed to the second stage which will comprise a detailed sketch design submission together with financial and operational proposals. The detailed brief on which these proposals will be invited is virtually completed by the Custom House Docks Development Authority in consultation with my Department.
Construction work on the project is expected to be in progress in 1992 with a contract period to completion of two years.
A schedule of the typical activities to be catered for in the sports complex is attached for the Deputy's information.
National Sports Centre — Dublin
Schedule of Activities
The following is a list of typical activities but by no means exhaustive.
1. Sports Arena
A. Central Area
Athletics—6 lane 200 metre running track
Badminton
Basketball
Bowls
Boxing
Equestrian
Fencing
Football (indoor soccer)
Hockey
Ice Rink Activities
Martial Arts
Netball
Squash (perspex court)
Tennis
Volleyball
Other activities—Major Conferences, Concerts, Circuses, Ice Show Exhibitions, Trade Fairs, Pageants
B.Ancillary Areas
Combat Sports
Gymnastics
Handball/Racquetball (courts 2)
Squash courts (4)
Trampolining
Weight-training
2.Ancillary Hall
Sports events/activities attracting smaller audiences. Structured Community use.
3.Pool Complex
National and International Swimming Events in 50m pool and diving pool
Water Polo
Structured Community use