Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 16 Nov 2000

Vol. 526 No. 2

Ceisteanna–Questions. Priority Questions. - National Stadium.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

2 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation the total estimated cost of Campus and Stadium Ireland at the latest date for which figures are available; if an application for planning permission has been lodged for the project and, if not, when it will be lodged; when construction will commence; if there has been discussion between his Department and CSID as to the minimum commitment required from national sporting bodies regarding the number of largescale events to make the stadium viable; if he will proceed with the stadium element of the project if no such commitment is given; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26134/00]

Dr. McDaid:

As I outlined to the House in reply to parliamentary questions on 10 October last, Campus and Stadium Ireland Development Limited – CSID – estimates the cost of the development of the Sports Campus Ireland project, including Stadium Ireland, to be £550 million, to be funded from a combination of private and public sector money. This estimate covers the cost of an 80,000 seat stadium, where the cost remains at £281 million as outlined in the feasibility study, including a private contribution of £50 million. The cost also covers the other elements that will be provided in Sports Campus Ireland, including an aquatic and leisure centre, a multi-purpose indoor arena, multi-purpose indoor training halls and pitches, a sports science and sports medicine centre, headquarters for sports organisations, a visitor centre and other sports facilities to be decided in consultation with the Irish Sports Council.

The development is being undertaken on a design, build, finance, operate and maintain basis. CSID estimates that of the total cost of £550 million, the return related and fully funded private sector elements are in the region of £150 million. Taking account of the private donation of £50 million, the remaining public sector cost is estimated at £350 million.

Information in relation to the lodging of an application for planning permission and when construction of the various elements of the project will commence are matters for CSID. However, I can tell the House that CSID is proceeding as quickly as possible with the aquatic and leisure centre, with the aim of having it ready by the end of 2002 to enable the Special Olympics to take place there in the summer of 2003.

The feasibility study outlined that a minimum base case of six events per year was required to make the stadium viable. The study also outlined the positive response from the major sporting organisations to holding games in the stadium. Against the background of the findings of the feasibility study, CSID is having discussions with the national sporting organisations about the number of events that will take place in the stadium.

Mr. O'Shea:

The Minister talked about the positive responses from the sporting organisations. I understand that the FAI would consider staging events with an attendance of more than 60,000 every six or seven years. The GAA foresees major games being played in the stadium and I understand there has been a more positive response from the IRFU. Are the commitments from sporting bodies any more firm than that?

Dr. McDaid:

The company is in constant contact with the national sporting organisations. The Deputy is correct in stating that the FAI has indicated it might use the stadium every six or seven years. I have more confidence than that in the capabilities of the Irish team. Last night, during an unpopular time of year, more than 20,000 people attended a friendly match against Finland. All the national organisations have indicated their willingness to proceed with the stadium, including the GAA and the IRFU.

Mr. Allen:

They did when they got a call from the Taoiseach's office on Tuesday morning.

Mr. Perry:

That is a nice one.

Dr. McDaid:

The stadium project will go ahead. The Taoiseach and the Minister for Finance have given their full commitment to it. We are a modern, sophisticated and confident European nation. The Deputy has a right to inquire about costs, that is the right of public representatives. There is a political will to develop sporting facilities. As we are a sports mad nation I see no reason not to proceed with the stadium in this time of plenty. I have every confidence that the major organisations will support the stadium.

Mr. O'Shea:

It must be inferred from what the Minister said that the FAI is not competent to design its own stadium. That organisation seems to assume that except for an occasion every six or seven years, a 45,000 seat stadium will be adequate.

Can the Minister say if the donation of £50 million from a private donor may be conditional on the setting up of an independent European soccer super-league, some of whose matches could be played in Dublin? The document of agreement contains no name. Can the Minister assure the House that the money emanates from a single individual and not from a consortium which may seek a franchise in the context of the league I have just mentioned?

Dr. McDaid:

A private donation of £50 million has been made.

Mr. Allen:

From an unspecified source.

Dr. McDaid:

There were no stipulations attaching to the donation. I do not accuse the FAI of incompetence. A comprehensive report has been made by PricewaterhouseCooper. Members, particularly Deputy Allen who has held my portfolio, know there is a huge demand for tickets for major sporting events. I predict enormous demand for next year's soccer matches against Holland and Portugal and that will be two years before the World Cup.

Mr. O'Shea:

The Minister is still implying that the FAI is incompetent.