Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 29 Jan 2003

Vol. 560 No. 1

Written Answers. - Sports Facilities Audit.

John Bruton

Ceist:

579 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the progress he has made on the national audit of local sports facilities; and if he will make a statement in regard to the finding of this audit in regard to sports facilities in County Meath. [1435/03]

Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism (Mr. O'Donoghue)

The programme for Government includes a commitment to complete a national audit of local sports facilities and put in place a long-term strategic plan to ensure the development of such necessary facilities throughout the country. The process which will lead to meeting that commitment will include the carrying out of a review of the current sports capital programme under the Department's expenditure review programme and the preparation of a long-term strategy for the development of sporting facilities. It is envisaged that the national audit of local sports facilities, which the Deputy will acknowledge will be a complex and lengthy task, will be undertaken in tandem with the development of the long-term strategy.

The composition of an inter-agency steering group to oversee these tasks has recently been finalised. It will be chaired by this Department and will include representatives from the Department of Education and Science, the Department of Environment and Local Government, the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, the Irish Sports Council and representatives from some local authorities.

I understand that Meath County Council has completed its own audit of sports facilities. It is one of a number of local authorities, which have or are carrying out an audit of sports facilities in their areas. This work will be of significant benefit in the context of the national audit of local sports facilities.