Vol. 497 No. 5
37 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation if he has satisfied himself that the National Conference Centre will meet the time criteria for funding set by the EU in view of the ongoing dispute between a company (details supplied) and Dublin Dockland Development Authority. [25634/98]
304 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation the progress of the Spencer Dock proposal for the national conference centre; his views on whether the proposed location is ideally geographically suitable; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25403/98]
I propose to answer Questions Nos. 37 and 304 together.
A final decision on the availability of EU funding for the Spencer Dock Conference Centre proposal will be forthcoming on completion, expected shortly, by the Commission of its investigation into a complaint about the tender procedures. Location was one of a number of elements examined in the independent cost benefit analysis, which concluded in favour of the proposal and which accompanied the application to the Commission for EU funding approval. In the event of a grant offer to Spencer Dock, such an offer will of course be subject to planning approval in accordance with procedures laid down in statute.
In the context, I would echo the comments made recently by my colleague, the Minister for the Environment and Local Government, to the effect that the promoters and relevant planning authorities should work together to secure implementation of the project. He has also stated that he is satisfied that the Dublin Dockland Development Authority is committed to the concept of a major conference centre for the area, while acknowledging that it has particular statutory obligations to fulfil. I note that the promoters have expressed confidence that the centre can be constructed within the framework of the Operational Programme for Tourism, 1994-99, and I look forward to their working closely with the DDDA towards achieving that objective.
Has the Minister been in contact with both bodies, that is the Spencer Dock development company and the DDDA, in relation to the reported dispute as reported in The Sunday Business Post on 8 November? Has that problem, which has the potential to torpedo the project, been resolved to his satisfaction? Has he had hands-on involvement in resolving what is potentially a disastrous dispute between both bodies? Will he respond to the recent reported statement of one of the senior executives of the Spencer Dock Development Company that not one single development will take place unless there is a major change of attitude by the DDDA?
This is totally outside of my remit, it is a matter for the Department of the Environment and Local Government and the people concerned. It was my duty to make sure that this project was brought through the successful tender procedure, brought through Cabinet and brought forward to the EU Commission. The Government has clearly indicated that it is in favour of this project. It went through Cabinet and it is currently with the EU Commission. The other matter is one entirely for the Minister for the Environment and Local Government and the relevant parties involved.
Is it not unreasonable, given that a question was tabled to the Minister and he had substantial notice of it, that the Minister has not investigated the up-to-date situation, whereas he made himself familiar with the up-to-date situation in relation to the dispute between both bodies? Surely somebody in Government must be investigating the claim made by Spencer Dock Development Company that a £50 million payment was being sought by the authority in order to accede to a planning application.
These are all allegations which cannot be proved or denied. It is entirely a matter for the Minister for the Environment and Local Government. The matter is of course being discussed. The Government has continuously expressed its commitment to the building of a national conference centre and we will continue to do that at various levels of Government. At present the matter is with the statutory bodies and the consortium involved. The question asked whether I am satisfied that the time criteria for funding set by the EU will be met in view of the ongoing dispute. It is our position that they will meet the time criteria for funding set by the EU in view of the ongoing dispute. I am quite confident we will meet the time criteria about which the Deputy is concerned. That is my only consideration in this matter.
On what basis is the Minister expressing confidence about the progress of the centre? Has he been in contact with the Minister for the Environment and Local Government because as he said, it is his responsibility? What has the Minister for the Environment and Local Government told him to allow him express his utmost confidence as regards the progress of the project?
The matter has been discussed by the Minister for the Environment and Local Government and myself. There are statutory obligations which must be met. There is a certain amount of disagreement between the two bodies on this issue but we are trying to solve these issues. Planning issues are not simple but the matter has gone to the EU Commission and to Government and it awaits the EU Commission's decision.
Will the Minister confirm that the dispute between both authorities is ongoing? Surely at this late stage the Minister and the Minister for the Environment and Local Government should take a hands on interest to ensure the survival of this vital project for tourism development in this city and country.
The Minister for the Environment and Local Government and I have had a hands on approach to this issue. The Minister is currently dealing with this issue. We are and will continue to be committed to the national conference centre.
