Vol. 543 No. 2
714 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation if the contract for the Campus Stadium Ireland Project includes a provision for payments in respect of the stadium not proceeding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26095/01]
A contract to provide executive services has been completed by Campus and Stadium Ireland Development Limited – CSID – with Magahy and Company. The contract is for a five year period but contains a provision for earlier termination in certain circumstances with a provision for compensation. Approval has also been given for a number of smaller contracts for technical surveys relating to services and preparatory work on the site. Much of the survey work has already been completed at this stage.
The Government has given approval to proceed with the development of an aquatic and leisure centre at the site in Abbotstown. In July 2000 the project went to tender, offering a contract for the design, build, maintenance and financing of the centre. Heads of agreement have been signed by CSID and terms of agreement are currently at the stage of final negotiations. Meanwhile, as the aim is to have the pool at Abbotstown completed in time for the Special Olympics in 2003, work has begun on the site under a letter of intent which includes provision for termination.
CSID has sought tenders for the provision of a stadium and other sporting facilities for the Sports Campus Ireland project under EU procurement directives on a design, build, finance, operate and maintain basis. However this tendering process is still under way and contract terms, including any exit provisions, will not arise until a preferred bidder has been selected and the final contract negotiation process commences.
The Deputy will be aware that the Government decided that an independent overview be undertaken by consultants in order to assist the Government in determining final Exchequer allocations for Stadium and Sports Campus Ireland. I expect to receive the overview report, which was carried out by High-Point Rendel, within the next week or so.
