Eamon Gilmore
Ceist:6 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his plans to maximise tourism and sporting opportunities ahead of the Olympic Games in London in 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2500/06]
Other Questions.
Olympic Games.
Joe Costello
Ceist:34 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if funding will be provided to create sports training facilities ahead of the London 2012 Olympics in order to attract competing athletes from other nations; if same is viewed as a matter of urgency in view of the short timeframe; his plans regarding this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2499/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 6 and 34 together.
The staging of the Olympic Games in London in 2012 will offer this country some great opportunities in the fields of tourism and sport, as well as in the wider business area. As a nation, Ireland must be prepared to take full advantage of its proximity to this event. As I have already indicated, I intend to establish an interagency group to oversee the development of a planned approach to ensure that such opportunities are maximised. Since the announcement last July that London was selected as the host city, I have availed of numerous opportunities to outline Ireland's eagerness to play a useful role and to be closely associated with the games. When I met David Hanson MP, Northern Ireland's Minister for Culture, Arts and Leisure, we discussed the opportunities for Northern Ireland and the Republic to benefit through mutual co-operation from the games. We will keep channels of communication open relating to our respective strategies around London 2012 and we are committed to close co-operation in this matter. I have also discussed the situation with Richard Caborn MP, the British Minister for Sport, who has warmly welcomed the approach being undertaken on an all-island basis here in Ireland.
The General Assembly of the European Olympic committees held in Dublin last month was another opportunity to promote Ireland's potential in regard to the games. It was attended by leading figures from World and European Olympic organisations, including the president of the International Olympic Committee, Jacques Rogge. It was also attended by the successful London bid team and its chairman, Lord Sebastian Coe. This major conference afforded a unique opportunity to draw the early attention of this highly influential group to the many services which Ireland can offer to Olympic squads from around the world. I take this opportunity to congratulate the president of the Olympic Council and his colleagues for hosting this conference which was of immense importance and brought great prestige to Ireland.
Clearly there are opportunities in the fields of sport around pre-tournament training for many of the countries participating. There will also be a tourism dimension for tournament visitors. In addition, there may be a number of sporting events in the years leading up to 2012 that could yield similar opportunities. The supply of economic services to London 2012 may also be another significant area of opportunity for which Irish business interests might benefit.
Given the lead-in time to 2012, there is scope to identify the precise nature of sports and ancillary facilities required by visiting countries to plan ahead. The type of facilities required by competing teams would be along the lines of those envisaged in the proposals for a sports campus at Abbotstown and existing to a certain degree in the University of Limerick. We are aware that 25 Olympic medals have been won by spokespersons from abroad who have used the existing facilities in Limerick.
The funding provided in December's budget, will allow work to commence in 2006 on the first phase of the Abbotstown sports campus to be completed by 2010. Complementing this are proposals currently under consideration for an Irish institute of sport, to deliver optimal support services for Olympic and Paralympic athletes and sports. These developments together with the ongoing provision of substantial funding for sports facilities at national and regional level under the sports capital programme will ensure that Ireland is on track to provide state-of-the-art facilities for sports men and women to train and prepare for competition at the highest level.
The Government will continue to invest significant funding in Irish sport which has already seen in excess of €500 million provided since 1997 for the development of sporting facilities. This funding has helped to develop facilities of international standard for many sports, including swimming, diving, rowing, hockey, tennis, basketball, boxing and athletics, and many of these facilities will be availed of in a structured way in the lead-up to the 2012 games.
From a tourism perspective, Ireland stands to gain significantly from the London Olympics in 2012. Our proximity and ease of access to the main venue, with our traditional selling points as a tourism destination — our people, culture and scenery — should make a stay in Ireland a very compelling proposition for both spectators and participants alike. There are points in Ireland which will have a closer proximity to the London games and greater ease of access than many parts of Britain.
Tourism Ireland as an all-island body will seek to maximise the tourism benefits of the Olympics to the island as a whole. In the lead-up to the event, Tourism Ireland will identify key opportunities in our overseas markets aimed at both competitors and spectators. This could include publicity messages in relevant markets should Ireland be successful in attracting countries for pre-training. The agency will work closely with Visit Britain, particularly in our new and developing markets and North America, to maximise awareness of Ireland as a close neighbour to the United Kingdom.
Obviously the Olympic games in London in 2012 are almost as significant as the Ryder Cup in regard to tourism and sport in Ireland. Given the competition for pre-training bases and bases for the actual games, has the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism been in contact with Irish Embassies around the world to ascertain their interest in seeking pre-training bases or bases in Ireland during the Olympic games? When will the interagency to which the Minister referred be put in place? Obviously it will include members of the Sports Council and the Olympic Council.
On the last day we discussed this issue the Minister and I said the GAA has its own identity and its own regulations. This is an opportunity to extend the hand of sport to ensure Ireland benefits most. The national sports councils that have facilities that would attract foreign countries to prepare a base here should be contacted. Given the Minister's success in representing the Government side in regard to Croke Park, although not involved in the decision-making process, this is another opportunity to extend the hand of sport through the mechanisms of the GAA, the IRFU and the FAI to facilities that can be used.
Apart from the Ryder Cup this is the most important sporting event here and in the UK since 1948. I hope we can use every facility and all the goodwill in sport in Ireland to attract as many countries as possible for pre-training or actual bases during the Olympic games. Have the Irish embassies been contacted? Are there possibilities in respect of sport organisations? When will the interagency be put in place? Will we see a detailed programme of events leading up to the games and a successful association with these games?
I appreciate Deputy Wall's intervention and recognise the important opportunities provided for Ireland as a result of the London Olympics 2012. We have to plan ahead. The agency will be established as soon as possible this year and will have the role of making the necessary contacts with a view to maximising the opportunities for Ireland. We should state our strengths. There has been considerable interest in the university in Limerick because of its facilities, including a fine swimming pool. There is also the National Aquatic Centre in Abbotstown. There are other sports we should target. Those that come to mind are rowing — we have a fine national rowing centre at Inniscarra — boxing and equestrian sports.
The first phase of Abbotstown should provide further facilities which will attract visiting teams. The new indoor arena which will be constructed in Abbotstown by the end of 2010 will provide for 30 minority sports so that I envisage us having facilities for groups interested. We have a range of facilities across the country that we did not have heretofore. Therefore, I anticipate a great degree of interest by visiting Olympic teams from across the globe. I am not saying they will all want to come here but some will. The University of Limerick has had inquiries. It is important to avail of the opportunity from a tourism perspective. That is why Tourism Ireland and Fáilte Ireland will be involved in ensuring we maximise the amount of tourism revenue we can obtain from foreign sources as a result of people attending the games. In this context the continued strengthening of access to and from Britain by air is of immense importance. I sincerely hope this continues and I believe it will.
The Minister referred to the University of Limerick and rowing. Is he aware of a very exciting proposal by the University of Limerick to build a top class facility for rowing that would cost in the region of €4.6 million? The university can provide €4 million of that amount. Would the Minister look favourably at providing the balance? I have asked him this question before.
The Deputy is introducing a new subject to the question.
Can I finish?
Yes, but the Deputy is not entitled to enlarge on the original question.
The previous speaker introduced new subjects but the Leas-Cheann Comhairle did not interrupt him.
I have allowed both Deputies a great deal of latitude.
I am asking questions in response to what the Minister said. The rules should be applied fairly to everyone.
I tabled a question today on the institute of sport but it was ruled out of order by the Ceann Comhairle's office. The Minister recently referred to this matter. I do not know why the question was rejected by the Ceann Comhairle's office but I will take this opportunity to ask the Minister when he thinks the institute of sport will be provided and where it will be located. I agree with what he said. Whatever about the Olympic Games in 2012, it is most important to have a sports institute in this country, as exists in Australia and Canada, if we are to produce world class athletes.
We will certainly give consideration to any application which the University of Limerick makes, although such an application would possibly be more appropriate to the Department of Education and Science.
It will get nothing from that Department. The Minister's Department is the university's only hope.
If Deputy Deenihan feels our Department is the only hope I suppose we will look at it and do what we possibly can.
That is what it looks like.
In reply to Deputy Deenihan's question on the institute of sport, we have had some important developments in recent months in the world of sport, namely the GAA's recognition in tangible terms of the integrity of its congress's decision with regard to Croke Park and the fact that we will start the sports campus at Abbotstown this year, allied to the application for planning permission having been lodged for Lansdowne Road. These are important milestones. To crown these, it would be important that we develop an institute of sport. In that context, the Sports Council is still formulating its plans. I do not know when exactly it will have them finalised. My view is straightforward, namely that we need an institute of sport if we are to assist elite athletes to reach their full potential. If we do that, hopefully they will be successful in the international arena which will make them role models and heroes and heroines for young people who, in turn, will be attracted into sport, thereby increasing participation levels.
Since becoming Minister for sport, I have always advocated the requirement for an institute of sport. This has had the Taoiseach's backing for a considerable period and he is of the same opinion. Therefore, I anticipate that we will be establishing an institute of sport. I cannot give the precise date or time but I sincerely hope we will be in a position to proceed with it this year.
National Sports Stadium.
Thomas P. Broughan
Ceist:7 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the position regarding Sports Campus Ireland; if it is on schedule; his views on whether it is vital that the campus be completed on time, in 2010, in order that it can be maximised for use ahead of the 2012 Olympics; his further views on whether plans should be put in place to maximise the use of the facility ahead of the aforementioned Olympic Games; if such plans are in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2495/06]
Joan Burton
Ceist:16 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if the further analysis requested by the Government from the Office of Public Works into phase 1 of the proposed development of sporting facilities at Abbotstown in west Dublin is complete; when this analysis and proposals in this regard will be brought to Cabinet; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2518/06]
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:75 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his future plans for Campus Stadium Ireland, Abbotstown; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2726/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 7, 16 and 75 together.
Following a decision in principle taken by the Government in 2004, Deputies will recall that Campus and Stadium Ireland Development Limited, CSID, undertook an indepth preparatory process and drew up proposals for the development of the sports campus in a series of phases. Phase I of the development control plan proposed the development of pitches and ancillary accommodation catering mainly for rugby, soccer and Gaelic games, the sports which engage the greatest number of people in Ireland. In addition, an indoor sports centre is planned to cater for a range of indoor sports with spectator accommodation, and publicly accessible all-weather floodlit synthetic pitches are also included.
The Government had an initial discussion on the proposal early last autumn and requested that further analysis be carried out by the Office of Public Works in connection with the delivery of the project. I reported to my Cabinet colleagues on the outcome of this additional work in November 2005. The Government gave its assent to the project and funds for the delivery of the project have been provided in my Department's capital envelope for 2006-10.
CSID, the company charged with developing the campus project, has taken the planning and preparation of the project forward since that date and has laid down a challenging schedule for the coming years to put in place this welcome and much needed programme of sports facilities which will enable Irish sports men and women to benefit from state-of-the-art facilities here in Ireland, as is only appropriate. The estimated cost of the project is €119 million. A sum of €9.5 million has been provided in my Department's budget for 2006 and funding has been agreed for the period 2007-10.
CSID is now proceeding to implement the Government decision. In addition to providing the sports facilities I have just listed, discussions have commenced, with the approval of the Government, on providing a site for a hospice on land adjacent to Connolly Hospital and talks are already under way with the FAI about the location of a new headquarters for the organisation in the former State Laboratory building at Abbotstown.
As regards the opportunities which will be opened up by the London Olympics in 2012, I am very conscious of the need to have top class sports facilities in place in time to provide good training opportunities for Irish athletes, and at the same time promote Ireland as a location for foreign teams wishing to avail of training for these games. Clearly, the timely development of a sports campus at Abbotstown, together with the other major facilities already in place, will be a key element to Ireland's capacity to provide state-of-the-art training facilities which would attract competing athletes to locate here.
To give added impetus to the drive to capitalise on the opportunities of the London Olympics and to ensure a joined up approach which would take account of sporting, tourism, commercial and economic considerations, I intend to establish an inter-agency group to co-ordinate and support the work of the agencies already working in this area.
I welcome the fact that this development has finally been put in place and that we will see progress from this year with the completion of the first phase in 2010. The obvious need for this facility has been stressed by various spokespersons and the Minister over a long period of time. It is welcome news for the various sports that will be facilitated at Abbotstown.
In regard to the FAI, will the costings involved be underpinned by the sale of the Merrion Square facility which it currently owns? The Minister stated that 30 minority sports would be facilitated. Will this just be in terms of the sports campus or will these sports have administrative back-up facilities provided to them? A shared approach to administration, computer facilities and so on could be of major benefit to minority sports that make a significant contribution in terms of the development of sport in Ireland. Is that a feasible proposition? Most small sporting bodies are hampered by the prohibitive costs associated with administration and if something could be done about this we could see these sports gaining a new momentum. These groups do not have the kind of following associated with the GAA, the FAI or the IRFU and lack the funds to develop their facilities. It would be of benefit to them if the administrative burden associated with running competitions, keeping track of membership and so on could be reduced or done on a collective basis. I listened today to the radio to some of those hoping to participate in the Winter Olympics. One can see the costs that such people must bear on a personal basis as well as the costs for organisations. If something like that could be done, it would make a major difference in the future for the overall perspective of developing sport in all the sectors and associations involved.
The Campus Stadium Ireland Development Company is in negotiations with the FAI regarding the possibility of the latter moving its administrative offices to the laboratories at Abbotstown once they have been refurbished. In addition, discussions are under way with national governing bodies of sport in charge of what I may describe as minority sports in the country with a view to seeing whether user agreements can be negotiated with them to provide administrative offices for them. All of this is very welcome because clearly it means that administrative costs are reduced. I do not know what the FAI will do with its Merrion Square offices, which is a matter for the FAI itself.
With regard to the provision of facilities, the indoor arena at Abbotstown will provide for more than 30 minority sports. That is a major development. Regarding the cost of running competitions and being involved in sport, I recognise that the unsung heroes and heroines of Irish sport are the 400,000 among the population who devote their time and energy to promoting sport, particularly among young people.
Funding for the Irish Sports Council, which was given statutory recognition in the year 2000, has increased considerably over the past five to six years. In 2000, its budget was €13 million while this year its budget is €40.9 million. Accordingly there is much more money available for distribution to the national governing bodies of sport. At a very pleasant function at lunchtime today, we announced core funding of €7.5 million for the national governing bodies of sport and they were very appreciative of that. Further announcements on disbursements by the Sports Council will be made as the year goes on. We have certainly improved the position of the national governing bodies of sport and are seeking to improve it further.
With regard to the National Aquatic Centre at Campus Stadium Ireland, has a structural report been prepared on the reported defects of the building? A structural review was carried out on the part of the building damaged by storm in early 2005, and at the time I called for a structural report on the entire building. Has that been carried out and have defects been identified? If so, have they been repaired? Is the Minister happy that the National Aquatic Centre is now in good working order and that there will be no further problems with structural defects to the building?
With regard to the concentration of facilities on Campus Stadium Ireland, which I agree with and always supported, not all athletes will have access to these facilities because of distance. Has the Minister a spatial strategy for sport whereby there would be facilities in all regions so that all our athletes and potential athletes will have access to top-class facilities? There are no other comparable facilities to those in Limerick and Campus Stadium Ireland to accommodate all junior and budding athletes and senior athletes, and they will not be able to reach their full potential unless they have ready access within short travelling time to top-class facilities.
During the severe weather conditions experienced in the west Dublin area on 1 January 2005, damage was caused to the National Aquatic Centre. The roof of the 50-metre diving pool was damaged, as was the roof of the leisure water area, in addition to damage to lights and fittings around the complex. Kavanagh Mansfield and Partners, consulting structural and civil engineers, were commissioned to examine the damage and oversee the repairs. Repair works for the National Aquatic Centre were completed on 20 May 2005 and the centre was reopened to the public on that date. Kavanagh Mansfield and Partners have certified that the programme of works was carried out in accordance with the requirements of the design and secured certification from the designers, contractors and subcontractors for the various elements of the works.
To date, no State expenditure has been incurred in this work. Campus Stadium Ireland Development Company has taken an approach that payment for the repairs is a matter for the contractor and the insurer to resolve between them.
In June 2005 there were media reports about alleged leaks at the National Aquatic Centre. These stories were unfounded and may have been connected — I do not know — with other extraneous issues. Arising from those reports, Campus and Stadium Ireland Development Limited arranged that Rohcon Limited, the company which constructed the National Aquatic Centre, should carry out an inspection of it. The inspection team conducted a technical examination of the entire centre with particular reference to the structural integrity of the concrete works. The inspection involved experts in the field. It was led by Rohcon and included S&P Architects, URS Structural Engineering, Europools, specialist subcontractors, Davis Langton, PKS Project Management and Kavanagh Mansfield and Partners, consulting structural and civil engineers.
Rohcon found no evidence of any structural defects or of any water leaking into the plant, despite what had been alleged in the media. The company found some leakage through pipe joints and valves, which in its view was an operational and not a structural matter. In addition, a test was carried out which confirmed there were no leaks from the swimming pools. URS Structural Engineering confirmed the concrete works were designed and constructed to meet the British standard 8007. They confirmed that any cracks which existed were not leaking, were not of a structural nature and were entirely normal for a building of this type. Rohcon published the results of its findings on 7 July. Campus Stadium Ireland received a separate report from its own structural engineers, Kavanagh Mansfield and Partners, which supported the Rohcon findings, but unfortunately these reports, stating there were no leaks, received very little coverage in the media. The original media reports were unfounded, untrue and incorrect.
Deputy Deenihan spoke of the possibility of providing other centres of excellence throughout the country. Unfortunately, resources only go so far. We have had a very successful battle with a view to providing funding to start the first phase at Abbotstown. I also appreciate the encouragement and support received from both principal Opposition spokespersons in this respect. I anticipate that in future years, Governments will add pearls to the Abbotstown necklace and will end up with a sports campus of international standard which will be capable of hosting any event.
The provision of further facilities throughout the country is dependent on the sports capital programme. As I said earlier, we have provided almost 5,000 facilities at a cost of €395 million in every city, town, village and parish. We have touched every home. I hope these facilities will help people to participate but, unfortunately, we cannot have an Abbotstown in every parish.
Is any costing available for the necessary refurbishment of the offices at Abbotstown? Is that figure available to the Minister? I understand that the overall cost of changing the similar agricultural aspect at Celbridge came to either €116 million or €165 million
The intention is to begin the work on the laboratories this year and the provision by my Department for this year is €9.5 million. I do not know if that will cover the entire cost but anticipate it will and that we will be in a position to refurbish and accommodate the FAI, I hope by the end of the year and certainly by next year. This will be of considerable assistance to the association. I do not know the precise figure involved, but the provision for this year is €9.5 million.
Will the entire site of approximately 500 acres be used for sporting facilities or is it planned to sell off part of the site for housing as mentioned in the Dáil this week? Did the Minister see the proposal from a particular organisation to establish a race track there?
While I have heard of proposals to have an indoor or even an outdoor track at Abbotstown, I have not received a formal proposal unless Horse Racing Ireland has one. That is a matter that would receive consideration if it was put forward. It was part of the agreement with the Minister for Finance that a portion of the land at Abbotstown would be utilised for commercial purposes and that negotiations would take place with the relevant local authority to see whether planning permission could be forthcoming. It was intended that the funding that would be acquired from the sale of that portion of land would be utilised to finance the campus at Abbotstown. Either way sufficient land will be available to provide a centre of sporting excellence at Abbotstown. It is my wish and fervent hope that future governments, regardless of political persuasion, will continue to put pearls on the Abbotstown necklace.
Regarding the 30 minority sports, is that the number that have applied or the number that can be facilitated? Is there room for manoeuvre on that figure? It would be a pity to get this far if there was a cap on the number that could be facilitated. Is that the number of applications or the figure the Minister believes will be the total?
It is the latter. I believe the figure will be in the order of 30 or 32.
Horseracing Industry.
Liz McManus
Ceist:8 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if more funding will be made available for promoting Irish horseracing abroad in view of the fact that Ireland is seen as one of the more affordable destinations for horse racing, especially in comparison with Britain; if contact has been made with Horse Racing Ireland regarding the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2503/06]
Ireland offers a unique horseracing experience to the race going public both at home and abroad. I am satisfied that Horse Racing Ireland, HRI, in close collaboration with Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland, is very much engaged in marketing that unique experience overseas. Horse Racing Ireland, as the national authority for racing, includes within its remit, the representation of Irish racing abroad. Through its board, its senior executives and its international marketing subsidiary, Irish Thoroughbred Marketing, it promotes and enhances the reputation of the Irish thoroughbred industry internationally. Horse Racing Ireland's five-year strategic plan specifically prioritises the development and promotion of Ireland as a world centre of excellence for horseracing and breeding and I have every confidence that it is committing the necessary resources to that task.
Having just returned from a very successful Irish trade mission trip to India, headed by the Taoiseach, I witnessed at first hand the influence of Irish horseracing abroad. The Irish Trophy Race, held in Mumbai Racecourse, was won by an Irish bred horse, Golden Triangle, ridden by Niall McCullagh. Golden Triangle is now one of the leading sires in India. I had the honour of presenting the winning connections with their prize to bring to a conclusion a highly successful trip.
I am aware that Horse Racing Ireland specifically targets overseas visitors to Irish race meetings particularly race-goers from the UK. For 2006, it has earmarked over €1.5 million for overseas promotion. The UK race-goer in particular presents an outstanding opportunity for inward tourism based on the Irish racing product. It is estimated that in the region of 60,000 UK visitors come racing here each year and the three agencies, Horse Racing Ireland, Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland consider that there is substantial potential for growth from this market given the fact that in excess of 6 million attendances are recorded annually at race meetings in the UK.
This is a highly affluent target sector with a propensity to spend on hotels, restaurant, car hire and other forms of entertainment. UK racegoers are used to paying as much as double the Irish rate for reserved enclosure access which, combined with the favourable sterling to euro exchange rate, give us an unprecedented opportunity to offer a high quality racing experience at relatively better value than is available in the United Kingdom.
In addition to its own initiatives, Horse Racing Ireland has a long-standing relationship with Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland in jointly promoting Ireland as a destination for racing tourism. At the behest of my Department, the three agencies are actively exploring possible synergies and in that context, Horse Racing Ireland specifically identified the Punchestown festival as an attractive event to increase inbound racing tourism. I understand that discussions between Horse Racing Ireland and the tourism agencies are well under way and that Horse Racing Ireland is committed to a significant marketing campaign in the United Kingdom in 2006 as part of a joint campaign with both tourism agencies. I am confident that the combined expertise of the agencies will produce the right result for horseracing and for tourism.
Written Answers follow Adjournment Debate.