Vol. 469 No. 5
146 Miss Harney asked the Minister for Education the discussions, if any, she has had with the Dublin International Sports Council regarding the establishment of the European Headquarters of the International Swimming Hall of Fame in Ireland; when a decision will be made in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17667/96]
Extensive and detailed discussions have taken place between my Department's officials and technical advisers with representatives of the Dublin International Sports Council and the International Swimming Hall of Fame in respect of the establishment of the European headquarters of the ISHOF in Ireland, including the provision of a 50 metre swimming pool. Recently, representatives of the Dublin International Sports Council made a detailed presentation of their proposals for the project to members of the Sport Strategy Group, which has been established by the Minister of State at my Department, to prepare a strategic plan for the future development of sport in Ireland.
As I have stated in previous replies to parliamentary questions a project of this scale requires very careful consideration because of the implications for Exchequer funding of the overall capital and operating costs involved, particularly in the context of the demand for funding for a wide range of other sports facilities.
These issues are presently being examined in the context of the sports strategy which is due to be completed later this year. It is expected that a decision in the matter will be made following completion of the strategy work.
