Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 7 Dec 1993

Vol. 436 No. 7

Written Answers. - National Sports Centre.

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

206 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Education if, as an extra gesture of support to our sportswomen and sportsmen who, like the members of the Irish football team, have brought honour to our nation, she will ensure that the proposed National Sports Centre is built in Dublin without further delay; and if she will request measures in the 1994 budget to enable and encourage senior and junior soccer clubs to obtain their own grounds in view of the fact that they generally have none.

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

The specific proposal for the provision of a national indoor stadium on a site at the Custom House Docks is not now to proceed as already decided by Government. The future of the site earmarked for the project is under consideration.

As to the general question of the provision of a National Sports Stadium, the Government will, as indicated in the Programme for Government, support the building of an indoor sports stadium. No specific proposals are currently before my Department in relation to this project.

Under the current Sports Capital Programme operated by my Department a number of soccer clubs have received grant assistance for the development of their facilities. The scheme does not, however, assist the purchase of land or premises. It would be my intention to continue the provision of grant assistance to such clubs under the scheme in the light of the funds available for the programme in 1994.