Written Answers Nos. 118-127
121. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding the ongoing work at the National Sports Campus in Abbotstown; the work that remains to be completed; and if he envisions the campus as a whole, in particular the indoor training centre, will be completed within the lifetime of this Government. [40899/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraA significant amount of work is taking place at the National Sports Campus at present which will see a number of facilities completed this year. Work is due to be completed shortly on the development of multi-sport all-weather floodlit pitches. It is anticipated that these pitches will be open to the public in December. Work is also under way on a Pavilion and Car Park for the facility. Work has been completed on a National Horse Sport Arena, which is due to be officially opened in the coming weeks. A National Modern Pentathlon Training Centre, accommodating the fencing and shooting aspects of Modern Pentathlon, is substantially completed. This facility will also provide quality training facilities for the separate disciplines of fencing and shooting. Work on a new National Diving Training Centre was completed in September. This facility will also be of significant value to other sports such as gymnastics.
Agreements are in place between the National Sports Campus Development Authority and the FAI, the GAA, the IRFU and the Irish Hockey Association to develop facilities for each of their sports. Preparatory works have commenced on the GAA and FAI elements. Remaining elements of the National Sports Campus, including community turf pitches, high performance training and rehabilitation facilities and athlete accommodation, will continue to be developed incrementally in line with available exchequer funding. One of the elements of the National Sports Campus that remains to be developed is a National Indoor Training Arena. The National Sports Campus Development Authority is examining alternative avenues of funding, such as philanthropy or sale of land, in order to progress the development of this facility.
125. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the efforts he has made to increase access for tourists to sites of interest particularly in urban centres and to improve access to Dublin Airport. [40907/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am not aware of any issues relating to public transport access to either sites of interest to tourists in urban areas or to Dublin Airport. If the Deputy has specific instances of problems with public transport access, I will ensure these concerns are taken up with the operators concerned and-or the National Transport Authority.
126. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the steps he has taken to work with the Department of Social Protection and the Department of Finance to ensure that taxi drivers who become ill or are unable to work can better access social welfare supports. [40904/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraWelfare entitlements are a matter for the Minister for Social Protection. This is a matter in which I have no function.
127. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to cases where CIE owned disused railways are being blocked with objects such as round bales by adjoining landowners; if he will direct CIE to remove such objects and protect these valuable national assets; his views on whether CIE should fence its property in cases where attempts are being made to grab CIE land; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40437/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis is an operational matter for CIE. I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply. I ask him to advise my private office if he does not receive a reply within ten working days.
