Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 29 September 2022
33. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media when the National Velodrome and Badminton Centre project will commence construction; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47516/22]
View answerThe review of the National Development Plan, published in October 2021, reiterated the Government’s commitment to the continued development of the Sport Ireland Campus and also committed to the construction of a National Velodrome and Badminton Centre. The project is currently at the preliminary business case stage.
A planning application for the project was lodged with Fingal County Council by Sport Ireland in August.
Sport Ireland has completed a new Masterplan for the future development of the campus. The Masterplan will provide the framework for the development of facilities at the Campus over the next 10 to 15 years and will identify key high level projects for delivery. Minister Catherine Martin and I will shortly be bringing the Masterplan to Government for approval and my Department will be engaging with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform in relation to funding to progress high level projects, with a specific near term focus on the National Velodrome and Badminton Centre.
Capital funding of €9.6 million is being allocated in 2023 to continue the development of the Sport Ireland Campus in Blanchardstown. This will allow Sport Ireland to progress preparatory work on the National Velodrome and Badminton Centre project.
Subject to securing planning permission and the availability of funding, it is expected that construction on the project could commence in Quarter 3 of 2023.
