Sports Facilities

Thursday, 6 February 2025

Ceisteanna (118)

Paul Murphy

Ceist:

118. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media his views on whether a large scale infrastructure investment in the National Basketball Arena is necessary considering the fact that the current facilities are insufficient to meet the growing demand driven by population growth, youth demographics, and increased interest in sports among diverse communities, and a significant redevelopment could address these issues by expanding capacity, enhancing amenities, ensuring the arena can continue to serve as a vital hub for sports and community activities in Tallaght; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3722/25]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media

In 2024, the Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund ('LSSIF') received an unprecedented demand for funding, amounting to €665 million from 96 applications. As a result of this significant demand, a range of valid applications did not receive an LSSIF allocation at the initial allocation stage including the National Basketball Arena.

In relation to LSSIF applications which have not received an allocation, it should be noted that a reserve list is being prepared by the Department on which all remaining valid applications will be assessed and placed in a prioritised order. As additional LSSIF funding becomes available, projects on the reserve list should then be able to be funded.