Nearly €1 billion will be invested in sport at community and national level by the Progressive Democrats if they are elected to government, the party promised today.
The party today launched Access for Success,a policy document containing commitments to fund a national centre of sporting excellence; the redevelopment of the stadium at Lansdowne Road; more local authority swimming pools and the development of a community sports complexes (CSCs) and the establishment of youth cafés.
Limerick West TD Tim O'Malley said today the full funding would be provided for CSCs in the State's five largest cities on a pilot project basis with tenders offered for subsidised development in other areas.
"Our sport policy is aimed at encouraging and facilitating increased participation and access to sport and physical activity by providing community-based, multi-faceted sports facilities at local level for all," he said.
The CSCs would be staffed by qualified personnel and run by the community, he added.