Vol. 463 No. 8
5 Mr. Andrews asked the Minister for Tourism and Trade the current position regarding the proposed conference centre at the RDS, Dublin; whether the planners intend to level existing buildings to make way for this centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7522/96]
36 Mr. E. Byrne asked the Minister for Tourism and Trade the progress, if any, that has been made regarding the proposed development of a national conference centre at the RDS site in Ballsbridge, Dublin 4; whether he expects work on this site to commence in December 1996; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7565/96]
53 Mr. Clohessy asked the Minister for Tourism and Trade the current position regarding the proposal to locate the national conference centre at the RDS, Dublin; the alternative locations, if any, being considered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7474/96]
145 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Tourism and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the concern and frustration over the long delay in the provision of a national conference centre and the need for a timeframe for the construction of the centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7427/96]
148 Mr. Andrews asked the Minister for Tourism and Trade the progress, if any, that has been made on the proposals for a national conference centre; whether he or Bord Fáilte has received notice of any legal action following the cancellation of the competition for the conference centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7543/96]
151 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Tourism and Trade the recent developments regarding the national convention centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7426/96]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 5, 36, 53, 145, 148 and 151 together.
I am advised that since the end of February there have been ongoing contacts between the RDS and its advisers in relation to the development of its proposal for the national conference centre with Bord Fáilte and its assessment teams. Inevitably, because this is a major project which needs thorough and careful consideration, much of the discussion has been of a highly technical and detailed nature and architectural plans cannot be agreed and finalised until this stage in the process is completed.
Once this has been achieved, Bord Fáilte will present its conclusions to the independent Management Board for Product Development which decides on applications for EU assistance under the Tourism Operational Programme. This paves the way for the matter to be considered by Government with a view to submission, if appropriate, to the European Commission for final approval. Until then, the issue of alternative options or locations and the necessity to examine same does not arise. My objective remains that work on site should begin by December 1996.
Neither my Department nor Bord Fáilte has received legal notice of action following the termination of the competition.
In response to this important question the Minister referred to Bord Fáilte and its assessment teams. What are the functions of these teams in the context of this proposal? The Minister also said that work on site should begin in December. I presume, therefore, that it is all systems go and that the Government has taken a definite decision on the location of the conference centre at the RDS. Is that correct?
The proposal has been submitted by the RDS which has had regular and intensive meetings with Bord Fáilte, which has retained Carr and Angier as consultants. It has prepared a brief for the national conference centre which sets out the type of building, break-out rooms and other facilities that will be required. It was sent by Bord Fáilte to the RDS for its consideration. It has examined it and responded with its views. In turn, Bord Fáilte's assessment team has examined the plans of the RDS and in the last few days forwarded its written comments. Discussions on all aspects, architectural, financial, planning etc., are ongoing between the RDS and Bord Fáilte.
Is the Minister happy that EU funding will be available in the light of the initial mishaps in the context of the proposals submitted by other persons and that Bord Fáilte and its assessment teams in conjunction with the RDS will be able to indicate clearly that the RDS will be able to operate the conference centre?
On a separate matter which specifically affects the RDS and Punchestown in particular, the World Equestrian Games, would it have been the Minister's intention to hold them in the RDS and will he explain why they will not be held in this country?
We are straying somewhat from the subject matter of this question.
The Deputy, who is well aware of the procedures of the House has gone over a few jumps together. In order to claim EU assistance the approved brief has to be sent from Bord Fáilte to the independent management board for examination. I, in turn, have to obtain Government approval to seek EU Commission support. Assuming this will be forthcoming, I hope that work will commence by December this year.
The World Equestrian Games are the subject of a separate question. Perhaps we will cross that jump when we come to it.
We should not engage in any queue jumping now.
I have tabled a private notice question, but I am not certain whether it is your intention to take it. You have not given your decision.
I will be in touch with the Deputy shortly about that matter.
