Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 30 Jan 2002

Vol. 547 No. 1

Written Answers. - National Sports Stadium.

Jimmy Deenihan

Ceist:

72 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation if he will outline, in view of the fact that Campus Ireland or part thereof will be provided on a design, build, finance and operate basis, the applicable conditions to ensure that the community will not be prevented from using the facilities due to commercial charges and fees levied by its operators. [2663/02]

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

While it is intended that the facilities in Stadium and Sports Campus Ireland at Abbottstown will be self-financing, it is also intended that facilities will be accessible not only to sports people and teams but also to individuals and families.

Commercial realities will dictate that the most effective way to ensure that these facilities operate without subvention will be for the operators to pitch the entrance charges at such a level to encourage a high volume of usage by the general public, including the local community. In the case of the aquatic and leisure centre, which is being developed to host the aquatic competitions of the Special Olympic Games in 2003, the contract terms negotiated between CSID and the construction-operation consortium, provide that CSID will have a role in the pricing structure for the centre in the interests of accessibility for the local community and the general public. Free training and competition time of 1,300 hours per annum will be allocated to allow elite and performance athletes access to its pool.

Question No. 73 answered with Question No. 43.

Question No. 74 answered with Question No. 64.

Pat Rabbitte

Ceist:

75 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation the total projected cost of all elements of the Stadium-Campus Ireland project at the latest date for which figures are available, including estimates or projections provided for his Department by the Department of Finance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2551/02]

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

Campus and Stadium Ireland Development Limited estimated the cost of Stadium and Sports Campus Ireland at 698 million or £550 million, of which 444 million or £350 million would have to be provided by the Exchequer.

The independent consultants, High-Point Rendel, have completed an overview of the cost of the project. I received its final report in December and this is being considered by a Cabinet sub-group. As I have advised the House previously, I do not intend to comment further on this matter until the report has been considered and the Government has made a decision on the implications, if any, for this project.

Question No. 76 answered with Question No. 43.

Questions No. 77 answered with Question No. 43.