The long-promised national velodrome that has been promised for Dublin for years will now only go ahead when funding was available.
As recently as
late last year, when the Government made comments on the project or responded
to written Dáil questions, tabled by opposition TDs, no mention of any
budgetary constraints or final financial approval was ever mentioned.
However, the
economy has been significantly weakened by the Covid19 pandemic and the new Minister
for Transport, Tourism and Sport Eamon Ryan TD (Greens) has clearly stated the
project is now budget-dependent.
Furthermore,
while the project had edged towards a start date in recent years, a fresh
review of the design of the cycling and badminton facility on the Abbotstown
sports campus in west Dublin was only submitted in May and was currently being
reviewed by the Government.
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Planning permission for the project was granted in March 2015
based on a specific design but the new design, when approved, will require
fresh planning permission.
It appears the
project, which is still planned, has some way to go both in terms of the design
and planning process and, most crucially, in terms of the money needed for the
project being released by the Government.
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In reply to a Dáil question from Martin Heydon, the Fine Gael TD representing Kildare South, Ryan made it clear the project was now dependent on money being available.
He said the National Development Plan 2018-2027 included a commitment to develop a National Velodrome and Badminton Centre at the National Sports Campus during this year and next.
“The proposal at that time comprised a 250-metre
cycling track, 12-16 Badminton Courts in the in-track area, spectator seating
and ancillary facilities including office space.
“A review
of the original design scheme for the project was undertaken by Sport Ireland
in 2019 to assess the suitability and fitness of the design for present and
future purposes. The review, which was completed in October 2019, proposed a
number of design changes.
“Sport
Ireland submitted a revised business case for the project to my Department in
May. This is currently being examined by my officials in line with the
requirements of the Public Spending Code.
“Any
decision on this project will be subject to Ministerial approval and the
availability of funding.”
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