Coffey pleased to get new running track over the finish line

Fine Gael Waterford Deputy, Paudie Coffey, has welcomed the opening by Minister for Sport, Michael Ring TD, of the new running track at the Regional Sports Campus (RSC) in Waterford City. Deputy Coffey said he was pleased to be able to intervene at a critical stage last year with the Minister to ensure the project proceeded.

“This facility plays an extremely important role in athletics both locally and regionally and this upgrade is a huge boost for the region. I was pleased to meet with Minister Ring on two occasions about this matter, where I impressed upon him the importance of this funding and what it would mean for Waterford City and the region generally. There has been a notable increase in demand in recent times for use of this facility and any upgrade would therefore be timely.

“Due to the poor weather at the end of last year and the beginning of this year, the project could not be commenced. This jeopardised the funding allocation for the track and I worked closely with Council officials and the Minister to ensure that the funding would still be available for the project.

“After intervening with the Minister, he agreed to my request to show flexibility in the drawing down of the €450,000 worth of funding that allowed this project to proceed. I want to commend the work of the Council officials and Minister Ring which has led to opening of the upgraded facility.

“Waterford has a great history of athletes, John Tracey being the most notable. The Waterford City Viking Marathon is now in place and the opening of the new track will see more athletic successes from Waterford long into the future.”

Note to Editors:
Please see history of correspondence with City Council
Please find below timeline regarding the RSC Athletics Track Initiative with the DTTS (Ref No. R19-43-060):
1. DTTS announce funding confirmation of €425,000 on 26/7/2012
2. DTTS provided with requirements requested: evidence of title/solicitor letter confirming acting on behalf of WCC/correspondence confirming Mondo as sole supplier of track and rationale for selection of supplier – 25/9/2012
3. Scope of works for civils/topographical survey developed enabling accurate estimate for works – tender process completed with tender report provided to DTTS on 15/10/2012- in turn provided to OPW to approve project to commence
4. All outstanding queries addressed regarding Chief State Solicitors Office satisfaction re title to lands and registration of charge in favour of Minister of DTTS – 31/10/2012
5. DTTS provide OPW confirmation to proceed with project – 7/11/2012
6. We are looking to commence project immediately – envisage that it normally would take a 4-6 week period but weather dependency is an issue- looking to visit Claremorris project ( Minister Ring is aware of this project also)next week as its similar and nearing completion – look to find ways of accelerating project.
7. DTTS have as condition of offer on allocation that works completed and money drawdown before 6/12/2012
From: Paudie Coffey [mailto:[email protected]/* */]
Sent: 09 November 2012 11:23
To:
Subject: RSC Running Track Funding

Dear
Would it possible for you to forward me on a timeline on what has gone on in relation to this funding application particularly your dealings with the OPW and now the timeline that exists in respect of the work that needs to be carried out over the coming weeks now that the funding has been approved.
Once I have this information I will make representations to Minister Michael Ring TD in relation to this matter to see if there is any flexibility for completion date for this project.
Yours sincerely,
Paudie Coffey TD

—– Forwarded by Paul Fox/Oireachtas on 20/06/2013 15:23 —–

From: Paudie Coffey/Oireachtas
To: [email protected]/* */ <[email protected]/* */’>
Cc:
Date: 12/11/2012 11:51
Subject: Fw: RSC Running Track Funding
Dear Minister Ring,
I am writing to you in relation to the allocation of funding for the upgrade of the running track at Waterford Regional Sports Campus in Waterford City. I understand that this money must be used by the 6th of December 2012; however there appears in this case to have been some delays in giving final approval for this project by the OPW and as such final approval to commence works was only granted last Wednesday.

This means that there is an extremely tight time frame in which these works must be completed. Waterford City Council have informed me that they are hopeful to have all the works completed by 6th of December; however they have asked if there is a possibility of having some flexibility with the end date for the project; so as to ensure the project can be guaranteed of completion.

I have copied for your information below an outline of events that have taken place in respect of this funding. I thank you for your attention in this matter and I look forward to hearing from you in due course.
Yours sincerely,
Paudie Coffey TD

—– Forwarded by Paudie Coffey/Oireachtas on 20/06/2013 15:36 —–

From:
To: “Paudie Coffey” <[email protected]/* */>
Date: 10/01/2013 16:45
Subject: RE: Regional Sports Centre – Minister Ring

Paudie,
As per discussion, the Regional Sports Centre would be happy to facilitate a visit on 6th February at any time that is suitable to your itinerary for the day. Please note that whilst we were able to claim the allocation made towards the Athletics Track, it is not completed and we await a window of opportunity (weather) to apply track surface. It therefore would not be in a position to officially open but we would greatly welcome the Minister’s support towards the project. I will no doubt hear from you closer to this date but would like to take the opportunity to convey my sincere appreciation for the assistance provided by you and your office in extending the drawdown deadline issued by the Department in relation to the project.

Regards