Taoiseach Enda Kenny, together with Minister Leo Varadkar officially opened the Irish Sport HQ at the National Sports Campus in Blanchardstown on Wednesday 29th May.
Performing the opening the Taoiseach said, “Ireland is a country that is passionate about sport and it is fitting that where possible we should have world class facilities to support, encourage and inspire everyone to get involved in sport. This Government has put a renewed focus on supporting sporting activities nationwide and I’m delighted that significant progress has been made in the development of the National Sport Campus over the past 12 months. The opening of the Irish Sport HQ and the arrival of 19 national governing bodies is a major step in the development of the Campus. Today’s milestone will also help foster the sense of community and cooperation which I know already exists in Irish sport.”
The Federation of Irish Sport is one of the 19 National Governing Bodies who moved into the Campus. Work is currently underway on the Multi-Sport Pitches and Sport Pavilion and the planned High Performance facilities for Horse Sport Ireland and Pentathlon Ireland are scheduled for completion in August.
Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport Leo Varadkar said: “When I was appointed Minister I developed a new vision for the National Sports Campus. We decided there wasn’t going to be any new stadium. Instead, we made lands and facilities available and invited the governing bodies to develop them.”
Federation CEO, Sarah O’Connor commented on the signifiance of the opening: “Today is a step forward in the right direction for Irish Sport. A home for Governing Bodies as well elite training and high performance facilities for our current and emerging international athletes is a valuable asset from which Irish sport can benefit hugely. The new Irish Sport HQ enables Governing Bodies to interact and work together more collaboratively and the Federation will continue to work with Government to promote sport as a key tool in the creation of a better Ireland.”Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport Leo Varadkar said: “When I was appointed Minister I developed a new vision for the National Sports Campus. We decided there wasn’t going to be any new stadium. Instead, we made lands and facilities available and invited the governing bodies to develop them.”
Taoiseach Enda Kenny and Federation of Irish Sport CEO, Sarah O’Connor got the opportunity to discuss ‘Why Irish Sport Matters’ (see left).
For more information on the opening click here