Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 7 Jul 1993

Vol. 433 No. 6

Written Answers. - Sports Facilities.

Michael Creed

Question:

140 Mr. Creed asked the Minister for Education whether any of the local sports centres have failed to proceed with development; and if a standby list is available within her Department to avail of the funding earmarked for local and regional sports centres.

Michael Creed

Question:

141 Mr. Creed asked the Minister for Education if she has satisfied herself with the progress on the construction of regional and local sports centres as approved by her Department.

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 140 and 141 together.

In March 1988 the Government approved a multi-annual capital programme which provided for the expenditure of £27.51 million on major sports facilities at national, regional and local level over a number of years funded from the proceeds of the national lottery. The locations of the local and regional sports centres were identified. A total of 52 projects are involved in the regional and local sports centre programme and a total of 39 projects have either been completed or are under construction. The remainder of the projects are at tender or detailed planning stage and progress towards the commencement on these projects is proceeding satisfactorily.

A small number of projects identified in the 1988 programme and nominated for grant assistance have not proceeded to construction stage and the grants were withdrawn. Lack of progress on these projects has been due mainly to the inability of the local sponsoring groups to provide the necessary local contribution required under the scheme.

Funds made available by the withdrawal of the grants from these projects have been reallocated to alternative projects within the existing programme where additional funds were required. The question of a standby list does not arise. I am satisfied that, in general, the progress on the capital programme for the provision of major sports facilities at regional and local level has been satisfactory.