Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 January 2024
718. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the up-to-date position regarding the construction of a new state of the art national velodrome and badminton centre; and when her Department expects this project move to the next stage of works. [1294/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn November 2022, the Government approved a new Masterplan for the development of the Sport Ireland National Sports Campus. The Masterplan provides a framework for the further development of the campus over the next 15 to 20 years and identifies the next key high-level projects for development.
The first high-level project for delivery under the new masterplan is likely to be the National Velodrome and Badminton Centre which is specifically highlighted in the current National Development Plan. This project will address the need to provide world-class track cycling facilities for our athletes who currently have to travel abroad for both training and competition as well as providing the sport of badminton with integrated training, gym and medical facilities. Planning permission for this project was awarded by Fingal County Council in January 2023 and the project is now at pre-tender approval stage under the Public Spending Code.
Subject to further engagement with the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform with regard to my Department’s capital funding allocations, it is expected the project could move to tender stage in the first part of this year.
