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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 16 Nov 2000

Vol. 526 No. 2

Written Answers. - Eircom Park Development.

Brian O'Shea

Ceist:

23 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation his views on the proposed Eircom Park development; if he has any plans to meet the FAI to discuss the proposal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25957/00]

While the Government and I acknowledge the right of the FAI to proceed with the development of Eircom Park, the House will be well aware that we have also clearly expressed, repeatedly, the wish that the FAI would come on board with the Stadium Ireland project. It makes economic and financial sense for the FAI to do so.

We have already indicated to the FAI, that Campus and Stadium Ireland Development Limited – CSID – estimates that revenue in the region of up to £40 million could be generated for the FAI through ticket sales alone. In addition, of course, the FAI would not be faced with any capital debt repayments or infrastructural and administrative costs.

In my view the FAI could do excellent work by distributing this £40 million to club and youth soccer facilities and training right across the country. The FAI would, in that situation, have full use of the National Stadium without any cost to them until matches come to be played and they would, consequently, be able to assist the overall development of soccer in this country on an unprecedented scale.

While I have no plans to meet the FAI to discuss the proposed development at this time, nevertheless, I am available to meet them if they so wish.

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