Austin Deasy
Question:110 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation if he will set up a golf academy to assist promising players to fulfil their potential. [28037/01]
Written Answers. - National Sports Stadium.
Brian O'Shea
Question:115 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation the plans he has to develop tennis facilities at Sports Campus Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27092/01]
Trevor Sargent
Question:254 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation if his attention has been drawn to the concerns of an organisation (details supplied) which is calling for the inclusion of tennis facilities at Abbotstown with the earliest possible completion date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28308/01]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 110, 115 and 254 together.
The concept behind Sports Campus Ireland is the provision of facilities which will be available not only to elite sports people and teams but also to be built as part of an amenity for the people of Ireland.
Amongst the facilities envisaged by Campus and Stadium Development Ireland Limited –CSID – the company set up to oversee the development of the project, are: a stadium, an indoor arena, indoor and outdoor training halls and pitches, a sports science and medical centre, a velodrome, headquarters for sports organisations, as well as a golf academy and a tennis centre.
As I have already told the House, a firm of consultants, High-Point Rendel, has completed the overview of the cost of the Stadium and Sports Campus Ireland project. As soon as I receive the final report from the steering group of senior officials with their advice, I intend submitting it to Government for its consideration. In the meantime I do not intend to make any statement on its contents.
Meanwhile, Deputies should also be aware that already a number of supports are in place to assist promising young golfers and tennis players. Tennis is included in the international carding scheme funded by the Irish Sports Council to assist selected athletes develop to their full potential for high performance in their chosen field. Team Ireland Golf is a programme, part funded by the Irish Sports Council and Bord Fáilte and part funded by commercial sponsors, which financially supports professional golfers at the start of their careers on the various professional golf tours. The administration of Team Ireland Golf is the responsibility of the Irish Sports Council and, like the carding scheme, grants are awarded on the basis of performance record, coaching, training and competitive programme, proposals for progression in the sport and financial requirements. The Irish Sports Council also provides funding to the Golfing Union of Ireland and the Irish Ladies Golfing Union to assist with the participation of top amateur golfers in high level international competitions.
Question No. 111 answered with Question No. 97.