Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 2 Nov 1999

Vol. 509 No. 6

Written Answers. - Departmental Properties.

Austin Currie

Question:

216 Mr. Currie asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if his attention has been drawn to reports that the site at Abbotstown, County Dublin, where his Department and the State Laboratory have a number of laboratories including the seed testing station and the meat control laboratory, is being considered as the location for the national stadium; the effect this location would have on the activities of his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21237/99]

Joe Higgins

Question:

231 Mr. Higgins (Dublin West) asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if the lands owned by his Department at Abbotstown have any planned developments; and if any inquiries have been made regarding the siting of a national stadium at this location. [21420/99]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development (Mr. Walsh)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 216 and 231 together.

The Deputies will be aware, from the answers given by my colleague, the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation, Deputy McDaid on 12 October, that the Government has commissioned a feasibility study for the development of a national stadium and established a stadium steering committee to conduct the feasibility study and to make recommendations based on the findings of the study.

The steering committee is chaired by Mr. Dermot Keogh and includes representatives from major sporting organisations, including the FAI, the GAA and the IRFU as well as representatives from the private sector and a number of Government Departments.

A consortium of consultants let by Pricewaterhouse Coopers was appointed to conduct the feasibility study. The study examined a range of issues relevant to the feasibility of developing and operating an 80,000 seat stadium, including the economic, social and other benefits that can be expected to be derived, analysed potential demand for use of the facilities from various sporting, entertainment and other commercial categories and possible locations for the stadium.

I understand the feasibility study has recently been completed and has been presented to the stadium steering committee. I understand that it will be brought to Government for consideration and decision at an early date. I do not wish to pre-empt the findings of the feasibility study but I can assure the Deputies that the Government will take all relevant matters into account in reaching a decision on the project, including issues relating to the siting of the stadium and any possible implications for my Department's laboratories at Abbotstown.