Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 29 Sep 1999

Vol. 508 No. 1

Written Answers. - National Stadium Project.

John Bruton

Ceist:

62 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Taoiseach the reason a person from his Department is serving as secretary to the National Stadium Steering Committee; the length of time the secretary has devoted to this task; and the cost to his Department. [17457/99]

The Taoiseach:

As I informed the Deputy previously, the Government announced on 13 October last that it had agreed to commission a feasibility study for the development of a stadium for the new century and appointed a stadium steering committee to oversee the process. A consortium of consultants led by Price Waterhouse Coopers was appointed to conduct the feasibility study. I understand the study has just been completed and is currently being examined by the stadium steering committee. On receipt of the study from the steering committee, I intend to bring it at an early date to Government for consideration and decision.

The nature of this high prestige initiative is such that it requires cross-departmental and cross-organisational co-ordination and my Department is best placed to do that. There is a significant time commitment involved and the official who acts as secretary of the stadium steering committee has undertaken this task in addition to his normal duties. In addition to the administrative costs arising from the work of the stadium steering committee, the main cost to my Department will be that of the feasibility study which is £380,033 or £485,542.