Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 11 November 2021
154. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the actions she will take to ensure the equal status of the Shelbourne women’s team who currently play their games at Tolka Park on the same terms as the men’s team in the Dalymount arrangement in the event of the proposed sale of Tolka Park going ahead. [55231/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraEquality in sport is a key priority for both myself and Minister Catherine Martin. Our overall vision for women in sport is one where women have an equal opportunity to achieve their full potential while enjoying a lifelong involvement in sport.
In relation to my Department's capital support schemes, amongst the key considerations in the assessment of any applications under the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme (SCEP) and the Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF) is the likelihood of increasing participation including female participation and whether the proposed facility will be shared with other users or sports.
In relation to Tolka Park, as the stadium is owned by Dublin City Council, any future plans for the ground are a matter for the Council in the first instance and I understand that no definitive decision has been taken in that regard. Dublin City Council's proposal for the redevelopment of Dalymount Park was awarded a grant of €918,750, under the LSSIF towards the cost of bringing the project to tender stage. The project is at the very early stages of design and the type of pitch which it is chosen to develop as part of that design process will be a major determinant in the extent to which it can be used.
Once the stadium is completed it will be a matter, in the first instance, for Dublin City Council and the two clubs (Bohemian FC and Shelbourne FC) to decide on the management of the stadium and its facilities. In that regard I understand that a management strategy for the entire complex including the usage of the pitch will need to be agreed.
