Vol. 572 No. 1
152 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the number of sporting bodies with which he has had discussions in regard to the provision of a national stadium; the extent to which agreement has been reached; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22641/03]
153 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the progress to date in regard to the proposed national stadium; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22642/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 152 and 153 together.
Since I took up office I have had various discussions with the Irish Rugby Football Union, IRFU, the Football Association of Ireland, FAI and the Gaelic Athletic Association, GAA regarding the provision of stadium facilities. At my request, the IRFU and the FAI set out their prioritised proposals for stadium development in April, in which they considered five locations, as to their suitability to meet requirements for a modern stadium to host major international rugby and soccer fixtures in the greater Dublin area.
This report has been subjected to detailed examination by the Office of Public Works, who act as my technical advisors on the project. The Office of Public Works has engaged international private sector construction consultants, Davis Langdon PKS, to ensure that all matters relating to the proposal were thoroughly evaluated. I received the Office of Public Works report in mid-September and I am now reflecting on the issues highlighted by it in conjunction with the response to the earlier initiative to secure stadium facilities with the assistance of private sector funds. When I have considered the matter fully I will present my assessment to Cabinet for decision.
