asked the Minister for Education if it is intended to proceed with the provision of a sports centre at Athlone, County Westmeath; if so, when work will commence; the time-table for completion; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Athlone has been designated by the Government as the location for a regional sports centre with maximum capital funding of £1.5 million from the national lottery. The type and range of facilities to be provided has been decided, and a site has been selected. It would not be possible at this stage to outline a time-scale for the remaining planning stages or for the commencement of building work.