Vol. 513 No. 5
2 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation if he will publish all documents which informed the Government decision to proceed with the construction of an 80,000 seat national stadium; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2864/00]
As the Deputy is aware, the Taoiseach announced on 26 January that the Government is to proceed with plans to build a campus of sporting excellence to be called Sports Campus Ireland, which will have as its centrepiece an 80,000 seat national stadium capable of accommodating all field sports. The Government is committed to providing Irish sport with a facility that will rank with the best worldwide. While Stadium Ireland will be the focal point of the proposed campus, the total campus will provide a much needed facility of international standard for a wide variety of sports.
The campus and stadium will represent a total investment of £281 million when completed. Included in the overall investment is a gift of £50 million which has been provided by Limerick businessman, Mr. J. P. McManus. Of the Exchequer investment of £231 million, £135 million will be invested in Stadium Ireland, with the balance being used to build the surrounding campus and provide first class infrastructure, including an indoor arena capable of holding up to 15,000 people.
I understand that the feasibility study and the recommendations of the stadium steering committee were recently laid before both Houses of the Oireachtas and are, therefore, readily available in the Library.
I compliment the Minister for informing us in Tuesday's Order of Business that the stadium steering committee report and the feasibility study are available in the Library. I would like to ask the Minister a question based on the steering committee's recommendations. The steering committee recommends that the Government decide that a positive decision on the stadium is conditional on arrangements being made with the national governing bodies of sports as a minimum case for meeting the operational cost. Another aspect of the recommendations which causes me concern is that arrangements, such as sporting and commercial developments, are to be decided by the Government. I am concerned that a casino could appear at some point if running costs prove prohibitive. Will the Minister assure the House that a substantial and thorough costing has been done in terms of the operational costs of the stadium in particular?
There has not been any indication that the conditions stated have been met or explored in any substantial way.
I hold the opposite view. The steering committee which carried out this feasibility study has the highest international reputation. It engaged in a great deal of consultation. It consulted the IRFU, the GAA, the FAI and the Athletics Association of Ireland. It also engaged in consultation with stadia management companies of similar facilities in the UK, France, Germany, Portugal, Australia and the US. It consulted 28 national sporting organisations. It also consulted the main concert promoters and exhibition management companies in Ireland and the UK. It had consultations with the management of alternative entertainment and exhibition facilities in Ireland the UK and up to 100 companies in Ireland. The feasibility study is of the highest standard. The steering committee indicated the proposal would be viable on the basis of their feasibility study.
I would like to clear up one point. It was mentioned that the stadium would be viable on the basis that it would host six major events annually. It is perceived that such major events would have to fill 80,000 seats, but that is not the case. The stadium will be viable on the basis of current events and future events. Currently, we host at least three but more likely four international rugby matches. The GAA has indicated it would be prepared to play two of its matches at the new stadium. Given the talent of Brian Kerr's junior soccer team, I expect our soccer team will be successful in the future. I saw thousands of people outside the gates of Lansdowne Road when there was a demand for 50,000 or 60,000 tickets when our team played even second class teams. I have great confidence in the future success of our soccer team.
We have not taken account of concerts and other forms of entertainment that might be held at the new stadium. Bono and U2 would fill it with one concert alone, as would the Corrs, Westlife and Boyzone. The structure and technology of the new stadium will be such that it will be possible to reduce the seating area to accommodate the demand for particular events – such are the advances of modern technology.
In one weekend alone, the new stadium could host a concert, rugby match and Michael Carruth or Steve Collins in a title fight. Steve Collins's last title fight was held in Millstreet because it has the capacity to cater for more than 10,000 people. For all these reasons I argue the new stadium will be viable. Who are we to judge future developments in sport?
The Ryder Cup is the most prestigious golf tournament in the world and it is the most prestigious sports tournament in the world. We can host the Ryder Cup in this small country because we have the infrastructure to do so. If we have infrastructure, such as a stadium, it will create its own demand.
