Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 3 Mar 1998

Vol. 488 No. 1

Written Answers - National Sports Stadium.

Jim Mitchell

Ceist:

247 Mr. J. Mitchell asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation if his attention has been drawn to a newspaper report (details supplied) indicating discussions were taking place between the Government, the FAI, the IRFU and the Sonas Group in relation to the proposed building of a stadium on the site of the former Phoenix Park racecourse for which planning permission was granted by An Bord Pleanála; whether these discussions have taken place; if so, if they are currently taking place; whether the Government supports the development of a stadium on that site; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5440/98]

Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation (Dr. McDaid)

Although I am aware of the media report in question there are, at present, no specific proposals before my Department for the development of a national outdoor sports stadium. I must stress that, while the Government and I will be as receptive and as positive as we can, the initiative for national or regional sports facilities must come, in the first instance, from interested commercial and/or sporting interests and any such initiatives will, of course, have to demonstrate feasibility and commercial viability.