There are two aspects of this matter to which I would like to draw the Minister's attention. We all accept the necessity for providing athletic and sporting facilities throughout the country. The development undertaken by An Ríocht Sports Club in Castleisland is taking place in a county with a rich tradition in track and field athletics. Indeed the county has produced a number of international athletes. The project requires substantial investment from the Government. Until this project was undertaken, the facilities available in County Kerry for track and field sports were totally inadequate. Notwithstanding the inadequacy that persisted, Kerry has produced international and national champions and also Olympic contestants.
Castleisland is a town which will benefit enormously from this development. The town does not have any major public park and this project would serve as a public park and area for relaxation. The town has six schools and there are 11 schools in the catchment area catering for a large young population with huge potential. This is a very ambitious project. The costings, which I am sure the Minister has in his Department, amount to £620,000 for a four phase development.
This project is worth supporting. It offers enormous potential for the development of athletics and field and track sports in this country. The project will need substantial investment from Government agencies. I am glad of the opportunity to bring that to the attention of the Minister involved. I would invite the Minister to take the opportunity on his next visit to the county to look at the facilities which are being developed. This is a huge undertaking for what is a very successful athletics club, which has made its mark on Irish and international athletics. The project needs support. The people of Castleisland and of County Kerry are giving it great support, but the scale of the undertaking means that they will require substantial public investment. I would urge the Minister to give tonight a commitment to that public investment.