Jimmy Deenihan
Ceist:60 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his plans for the future development of the National Concert Hall; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15330/05]
Amharc ar fhreagraNational Concert Hall.
Ceisteanna (9)
Freagraí ó Béal (7 píosaí cainte)
I refer the Deputy to my reply to Question. No. 8 of 17 February 2005. The Office of Public Works, having investigated over several years various locations for a state-of-the-art National Concert Hall in Dublin, advised me last year that reconfiguration of the site at Earlsfort Terrace where the concert hall is located would provide space for implementation of an imaginative design concept involving the provision of three separate performance spaces and access to Iveagh Gardens.
As Deputies will appreciate, however, if this concept is to be progressed further it can only be in the context of University College Dublin completing the relocation of all remaining college staff located at Earlsfort Terrace to Belfield. UCD's plans for completing this process are well advanced but the financial issues around the provision of additional accommodation at Belfield have yet to be resolved.
My Department is engaged in a series of complex discussions with the Department of Education and Science, the Office of Public Works and University College Dublin to clarify the financial and other implications of completing the move of UCD from Earlsfort Terrace to Belfield, a consequence of which would be to free up the site at Earlsfort Terrace for redevelopment as a modern concert hall complex. On completion of these discussions I hope to be in a position to discuss with my colleague, the Minister for Education and Science, the provision of a joint submission to Government on those interlocking issues.
Does the Minister agree with the proposal, outlined by the chairman of the board of the National Concert Hall last week, that a new auditorium be provided with a capacity for 2,000 seats, that the existing hall be upgraded to 900 seats and that there be flexibility in terms of a third hall with approximately 400 seats? Does he agree with the chairman that this presents a once in a lifetime opportunity to create a landmark cultural facility here and to provide a concert hall comparable to those in other cities in Europe?
Each major European city, except Dublin, has a concert hall with a capacity for up to 2,000 people. Has the Minister entered into negotiations with UCD on the purchase of the buildings to ensure the reconfiguration of the site? Does he think this is such a unique opportunity that negotiations should be entered into immediately, otherwise the opportunity may be lost to the Government? Will he confirm that it is the intention of the Government to honour the commitment made in An Agreed Programme for Government and in the report commissioned on the strategy on tourism because the whole revamp of the National Concert Hall is essential at this stage?
I have been doing everything I can to try to advance the cause of the National Concert Hall. The position is as I outlined. We have entered discussions with the Department of Education and Science, the Office of Public Works and UCD in regard to the Earlsfort Terrace site. Obviously this is contingent on UCD moving from the Earlsfort Terrace building to accommodation in Belfield.
On the configuration for the hall itself, the proposal put forward would involve the construction of a new auditorium with a capacity for up to 2,000 patrons, together with a smaller flexible configuration recital auditorium with a capacity for up to 400 patrons. Events could take place in both simultaneously. The existing auditorium would be refurbished and used by the RTE Symphony Orchestra for rehearsals and performances. Its current capacity of 1,200 seats would be reduced to 900 seats.
It is not possible to confirm if such a configuration would be adopted. It would be a matter of examining closely the financial cost and yield associated with such a proposal. The proposed project is still at the feasibility stage and no architect's drawings have yet been made. I appreciate the efforts of the chairperson of the National Concert Hall, Dr. Egan, and others to try to ensure the project is progressed. An effort was made originally to site the new national concert hall in the Dublin docklands area. Unfortunately, when push came to shove, the authority was unable to produce the necessary site. This brought us back to the site of the present National Concert Hall and the question of redeveloping the site with a view to providing a new national concert hall.
I said on many occasions in the past that despite the fact that this is one of the most creative and imaginative generations of Irish people ever, there is no public architecture in existence to give expression to this imagination and creativity. I sincerely hope we can change that.
There is not sufficient urgency at this stage in regard to the matter. It is obvious that UCD is prepared to move both its medical and engineering faculties from Earlsfort Terrace.
A question, please, Deputy.
I ask the Minister to grasp the opportunity because it may not be there indefinitely. Given that next year is the 25th anniversary of the concert hall, it is appropriate that a decision should be made as soon as possible so we will have a concert hall that will represent the musical tastes of the people of Ireland, provide a venue for the best of both Irish and international talent and which is befitting of the progress made in this country. At this stage, we have neither a national theatre nor a national concert hall comparable to other cities in Europe. As we have fallen totally behind in this regard, an initiative should be taken to ensure the concert hall will be provided as soon as possible.
There is no lack of urgency. We have been having complex negotiations with the relevant parties. There are a number of issues involved, and when we have dealt with these, there is the whole question of the cost of the site and the cost of the reconstruction, both of which must be funded by the Exchequer. I hope we can reach a resolution in the talks, which are ongoing, and produce a memorandum for Government in the not too distant future. The talks are necessarily complex, which is not my fault. We recognise the need for a new national concert hall and we are trying to advance the project as quickly as possible.
Sport and Recreational Development.
Ceisteanna (10, 11)
Jack Wall
Ceist:61 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the Government proposals for the further development of sporting and ancillary facilities at the Abbotstown site; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15174/05]
Amharc ar fhreagraJimmy Deenihan
Ceist:63 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism when he intends to present proposals for Campus Ireland at Abbotstown to Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15331/05]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí ó Béal (14 píosaí cainte)
I propose to take Questions Nos. 61 and 63 together.
In January 2004, the Government decided to proceed with the development of a sports campus on the State-owned lands at Abbotstown. Campus and Stadium Ireland Development Limited was requested to put forward proposals for the development of a sports campus. In the preparation of its proposals for the development of a sports campus, Campus and Stadium Ireland Development Limited consulted widely with the major governing bodies of sport, stakeholders and interest groups to devise a development control plan.
I have received the development control plan for a sports campus at Abbotstown from CSID. The plan, which represents phase one of a wider programme for sports facilities, proposes the development of pitches and ancillary accommodation catering mainly for the three major field sports — rugby, soccer and Gaelic games, as well as an indoor sports centre to cater for a range of indoor sports with spectator accommodation. This phase also includes publicly accessible all-weather floodlit synthetic pitches. These facilities would complement the existing water based facilities provided through the National Aquatic Centre.
It is my intention to present proposals to the Government shortly on the development of a sports campus at Abbotstown.
This centre is of major significance to the development of sport. At the time my colleague, Deputy O'Shea, was anxious to ensure that a centre of excellence would be created at Abbotstown. I am perplexed that we do not appear to have made the progress I thought we would make in this regard. While the Minister is in a position to present the proposals to Government, the issue has been on the legislative list since 2003. A later question refers to our Olympic performances and so on, but if we do not have this centre of excellence, we will not develop into a nation that can make an impact at Olympic level. The Minister referred to rugby, soccer and Gaelic games, which are not Olympic sports. Is it proposed that the centre of excellence will cover a wide range of sport which will be reflected in better performances in future at Olympic level?
I have outlined the proposals in respect of phase one. The memorandum for Government will envisage the delivery of that phase of the sports campus over a period of four to five years. The cost involved will be approximately €120 million. Any such proposal must obtain the approval of Government, which I hope we are successful in obtaining.
I envisage Governments continuing with the necklace of centres at Abbotstown so that in years to come there will be the type of facility Deputy Wall envisages catering for all kinds of disciplines. This would be of tremendous benefit to the country generally. It would be very attractive in terms of inward investment.
Will the Minister's memorandum to Government include ongoing running costs for the campus? Will it be part of the regional strategy to provide centres of excellence throughout the country? What will be the future role of the national coaching and training centre? What role will it have in Limerick and in Sports Campus Ireland? Surely there would be duplication.
The Athens review proposed an institute of sport. Will the new campus be recognised as such and will it be the kind of institute proposed in the review?
We have made enormous strides in the provision of facilities in recent years, not just in Dublin but throughout the country. For example, since 1998 we have spent in the order of €610 million on sport and the provision of sports facilities. Through the national lottery-funded sports capital programme, we have been involved in approximately 4,500 projects in every city, town, village and parish in the country since 1998. We hope to continue with this.
I do not envisage any change of location for the National Coaching and Training Centre in Limerick. It is true that the Athens review proposed an institute of sport. Perhaps it could be considered in that context. However, one should note that phase 1, which is being considered by Government, does not incorporate plans for the National Coaching and Training Centre. Its present location is safe for the foreseeable future. It makes a very important contribution to sport.
What about the running costs?
The issue of running costs under phase 1 of the new campus at Abbotstown can only be addressed when the facility is open. It is not possible for me to envisage what they might be.
I readily acknowledge the funding and facilities that have been provided in every parish, as the Minister stated. However, there is now a need to provide the expertise to match the facilities, as Deputy Deenihan said. There is a lack of volunteers.
Will there be negotiations with the various interested bodies to determine what mechanism can be put in place to provide the training necessary to make the first phase of the centre of excellence a success? There should be officials with the necessary ability and expertise to train youngsters in rugby, soccer, Gaelic and other sports the Minister mentioned. We must move on to the next phase and provide this expertise by way of the sports capital programme. We have lost many volunteers in sport and therefore the centre of excellence can provide the base for future development nationwide. If this is done right, it is only fair to assume we will see a follow-on.
Will a mechanism be put in place to provide the necessary expertise rather than waiting for associations to provide it? I would love the Minister to tell us there will be a link between Sports Campus Ireland and the various bodies to ensure that personnel will be on hand to impart their knowledge to the youngsters using the facility, thus making it a success in every phase. In the longer term, Sports Campus Ireland can facilitate all our sports and become the centre of excellence everyone wants it to be.
I assure Deputy Wall that, with the assistance of the project managers and sports consultants, Campus and Stadium Ireland Development Limited consulted very widely with the major governing bodies of sport, including the international managers for rugby and soccer, stakeholders and interested groups to devise a development control plan for the campus. It is the plan to ensure that expertise is available.
On the Deputy's comments on volunteers, I am greatly concerned about this issue. It is true that during the early years of the Celtic tiger, volunteerism continued in Ireland. As the tiger became more mature, so to speak, it seemed to lapse somewhat. It regenerated during the Special Olympics in Croke Park in 2003. Some 30,000 people offered their assistance and the games were a resounding success. However, it is unfortunate that, once the games were over, there was not as much interest in volunteerism. There is plenty of evidence to that effect across the country.
We do not have the number of volunteers in sport that we had in previous years. This is a particular problem in larger urban centres, especially in the areas where disadvantage is greatest. There is a need for the Government and the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism to examine the question of volunteerism to ascertain the stimulus we can provide to ensure there will be men and women willing to put up the nets on a Saturday or Sunday morning, line the field, carry the flags and transport children to the various sporting facilities.
People should not forget that volunteerism does not happen by itself. One cannot just rely on the fellow who has been chairman of the local GAA club for the past 25 years, for example, to keep carrying on. He is only mortal. It is important that people start giving of themselves again. Without being too philosophical, I note it is true that individualism can often triumph over a community. This is always a tragedy.
Will the Minister clarify that there will be accommodation for a 10,000-seater soccer stadium on the campus? I do not know if he mentioned this. Will use be made of existing buildings on-site, for example, for office accommodation? Does the Minister not believe there is over-emphasis on team sports in the proposal he has outlined? There seems to be no balance between team sports and individual sports.
The straight answer is that it was necessary to cut our cloth according to our measure. We had to start somewhere and it was decided to start with what I outlined. The training area that will be provided for both professional rugby and soccer, and amateur games such as Gaelic games and hockey, is presented in the plan as a shamrock concept providing dedicated nodes for rugby, soccer and Gaelic games, located around a central core building designed to be shared by all the training sports teams and athletes.
The central core building will have living accommodation, a restaurant, fitness training and gym facilities and sports, medical and recovery areas. There will be dedicated changing and training facilities and pitches clustered around this block. A range of pitches will be provided in each of the three dedicated areas to ensure that teams can train in a secure and private location in any weather conditions. Thus, they will be adequately prepared for various levels of competition There will be natural turf and synthetic pitches, a number of which will be flood-lit.
What about the 10,000-seater stadium?
There is no proposal at present to have a 10,000-seater stadium under phase 1. However, there is a proposal to have an indoor sports centre where it would be hoped to accommodate up to 30 sports.
The stadium was referred to in the Minister's announcement of last year.
Tourism Industry.
Ceisteanna (12)
Paul Nicholas Gogarty
Ceist:62 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism when he will make a decision on a report (details supplied) commissioned by Fáilte Ireland as it relates to the activities of regional tourism bodies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15176/05]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí ó Béal (5 píosaí cainte)
As I advised the House on 14 April 2005, there has been a major reform of tourism structures in recent years with the setting up of Tourism Ireland and Fáilte Ireland. Reform of the function, role and operational structure of regional tourism is the third and final leg of that reform process. I have no direct responsibility for the most appropriate regional structures for the discharge of Fáilte Ireland's functions and the relationships and arrangements that should apply at regional level — this is effectively a day-to-day matter for Fáilte Ireland.
In response to a recommendation in the tourism action plan set out in the report of the tourism policy review group, Fáilte Ireland commissioned PricewaterhouseCoopers to conduct a major consultancy study of regional tourism structures as the authority sought to determine how best to carry out its new development mandate countrywide.
On 13 April last, I received a letter from the chairman of Fáilte Ireland, enclosing a copy of the PricewaterhouseCoopers consultancy report and indicating that the authority endorsed the recommendations in the report at its meeting on Thursday 7 April. This report has been published and widely circulated by Fáilte Ireland and is available on its website.
In regard to the Dublin region, the authority has initiated a further short engagement with the relevant parties to satisfy interests in the Dublin region that the mechanisms of consultation are complete. A small independent group, chaired by Mr. John Travers, will facilitate this process, and it is expected that the Fáilte Ireland authority will consider the outcome of this work at its next meeting, which is scheduled for mid-June.
The PricewaterhouseCoopers report highlights the need for a much wider brief for regional tourism, playing a strategic rather than administrative role and making a more direct input into national policy. It recommends a stronger emphasis on targeted marketing, product development and enterprise support. It suggests establishing an integrated link between regional tourism strategy and national policy and exploiting avenues to leverage increased resources.
Over the coming weeks I will continue to consider the policy implications of the authority's recommendations on foot of the report, the outcome of the further consultation process on the concerns expressed about the future role of Dublin Tourism, and the views of the industry. I want to satisfy myself that we have the most efficient and effective regional structures to service the needs of the visitor and the needs of the industry. The structures are somewhat fragmented and it is not always clear that they represent the most effective use of energy and resources.
Dublin Tourism has lobbied hard to make the Minister and Fáilte Ireland see common sense. From a regional perspective some areas perform better than others and it is necessary to take a more strategic long-term approach to them, particularly as some aspects of the tourism industry, such as walking, are in decline. We cannot afford to lose any segment of the industry to international competition.
Would implementing this report be akin to killing the goose that laid the golden egg? As Dublin Tourism points out, on a city by city basis, which is probably the most appropriate way to measure the success of tourism in Dublin, Dublin is third in Europe. Given that Dublin Tourism has indicated a willingness to integrate the executive functions more closely on a regional basis, it might be more appropriate to retain the existing format while considering ways to promote tourism in other regions. While Dublin and several areas on the western corridor are doing well, the tourism industry elsewhere is performing relatively poorly. There is plenty of scope for the Midlands to be further developed.
Is the Minister saying that because he has no direct responsibility for day-to-day matters, he is not willing to intervene if the future of tourism in Dublin is threatened as it may well be? This is more than a day-to-day matter. If the short engagement, under the chairmanship of Mr. John Travers, reaches an unsatisfactory conclusion, will the Minister make a final decision and direct Fáilte Ireland? In five or ten years' time if the figures show that tourism in Dublin has been affected by the bureaucratisation of tourism management the Minister will be associated with that damage. The Minister deserves a better legacy.
Some Opposition Members — not Deputy Gogarty — were reported in the media as saying that this report heralds the end of Dublin Tourism. That is not the case. We are trying to ensure that we give the best service to the industry and that the industry gives the best service to the customer. There has been much fragmentation and duplication in the industry. I am not denigrating Dublin Tourism's role in, or contribution to, the development of tourism in the Dublin region. I want to enhance that role by ensuring that services available nationally are available on the ground through the regional tourism authorities.
Fáilte Ireland has been engaged in further consultations with Dublin Tourism and meetings are taking place with many people who are concerned about the progress of this initiative in so far as it affects Dublin. My role is to enhance tourism in Dublin. The only aspect of Dublin I wish to see defeated is its football team.
We want to enhance the tourism industry here and try to help as much as we can. I hope we can resolve whatever problems have arisen and satisfy everybody we are proceeding in the correct way. That is why we have established a further engagement. Just because a report arrives, however, does not mean it must be implemented. The Government has the major role in policy formulation and is directly involved in how the regional tourism authorities impact on policy. In those circumstances Deputy Gogarty has no cause to worry.
Does the Minister envisage that a decision will be made by December?
A small independent group chaired by Mr. Travers and including the economist Mr. Paul Tansey, and Mr. John Power of the Irish Hotels Federation is facilitating the engagement with Dublin Tourism, representatives of the industry, local authorities in the Dublin region, and my Department. It has already met PricewaterhouseCoopers, the chairman, chief executive officer and senior staff of Fáilte Ireland, the chairman and chief executive officer of Dublin Tourism and the city manager.
A meeting will be held soon with the council of Dublin Tourism, the Lord Mayor of Dublin and the cathaoirligh of the Dublin county councils. I expect the Fáilte Ireland authority will consider the outcome of the process at its next meeting which is scheduled for 15 June. We will see where we go from there. There will be changes on foot of the report but we must see which are best.
Question No. 63 answered with QuestionNo. 61.
Sport and Recreational Development.
Ceisteanna (13)
Jack Wall
Ceist:64 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the timetable for the proposed redevelopment of Lansdowne Road, following the appointment of the design team and project management team; if he has satisfied himself that he has the support of Government for this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15016/05]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí ó Béal (3 píosaí cainte)
On 25 April I announced that the Lansdowne Road Stadium Development Company awarded the design and project management contracts for the stadium, moving the development plan for the new Lansdowne Road stadium to a new phase. The contracts were awarded following tender competitions, advertised internationally through the European Journal as well as in Ireland.
The design contract has been awarded to a consortium led by HOK Sports, one of the world's largest sport architectural practices. The winning consortium also includes Irish architects Scott Tallon Walker. The contract for project management services has been awarded to a consortium led by Project Management Ltd., one of Ireland's largest specialist technical consultancy and project management firms.
The Lansdowne Road Stadium Development Company has begun the preparatory work leading to a submission for planning application with the intention to lodge a planning application in December of this year, in accordance with the timetable previously announced. The newly appointed design team has begun to develop a final detailed design for the new stadium. It is expected that 'enabling works' will happen during 2006 and the main construction work will commence in 2007 with an estimated building time of 29 months.
I reaffirm the Government's commitment to the project and its decision to provide €191 million towards the cost of the project, which is estimated to cost €292 million.
The Minister received widespread political support when he announced that the project was to go ahead. The drawback was that the Taoiseach responded by expressing doubts as to whether the project would proceed. That put an obvious slant on the ministerial announcement and created concern about the project. Has the Minister had a meeting with the Taoiseach since that statement? Was it a personal statement by the Taoiseach which did not reflect the position of the Minister? It seemed to put a stint upon what was a major announcement which was discussed on many occasions during Question Time and was raised by some political parties. The Taoiseach's statement was a drawback, cast doubt over the project and has initiated something for objectors who see something in the view expressed by him.
Have there been discussions with the Taoiseach? Is everyone in the same boat regarding this project and ensuring its success? The sports organisations have been given some leeway with the use of Croke Park during development of Lansdowne Road. Are we all of one mind to ensure this project will be completed?
Deputy Wall asks if we are in the same boat. We are all aboard, and sailing. There is no doubt the project has the support of the Taoiseach and the Government. If it did not we could not proceed with it. It is sometimes forgotten that nobody mentioned a stadium until the Taoiseach said we required a stadium. I would like to acknowledge the pivotal role he has played. He expressed a view that there would be planning objections and he wondered how these would be resolved. Nobody knows what will happen in that regard. Subsequently the Taoiseach made it clear that he supported the project. It was not necessary for me to meet him in that regard. If he did not I would not be talking about it in the House. I appreciate the support of Deputies Wall and Deenihan and everybody else.