Tenders to build Sports Campus Ireland have been reduced from five to two, following assessment over the last few weeks. Each bid will come before the Cabinet, according to Government sources, and they will "feed into" the overview of the development being carried out by independent consultants, which will be ready for submission next month.
It is hoped the sod will be turned next month on the aquatic centre based at the site in Abbotstown, Co Dublin, which is needed for the Special Olympics to be held in Ireland in 2003. It is understood the Cabinet gave approval last month for preparatory work on the 500-acre site to begin.
The closing date for tenders for the overall project was June 21st. Campus and Stadium Ireland Development Ltd, the State company overseeing the project, says it will not release details because of commercial sensitivity.
The Minister for Tourism and Sport, Dr McDaid, appointed consultants High-Point Rendel to carry out the overview of development costs. They have also been asked to assess the benefits of the project itself and the ancillary developments at Abbotstown. The work of the consultants is being overseen by a steering group of the secretary generals of the Departments of the Taoiseach; Enterprise, Trade and Employment; Tourism, Sport and Recreation, plus a second secretary from the Department of Finance.
In May, Dr McDaid said the cost of the project was estimated at £550 million - £320 million for the campus and £230 million for the stadium. The private sector was prepared to invest about £150 million, mostly for commercial facilities, and with the £50 million donation from Mr J.P. McManus, the cost to the Exchequer would be about £350 million.
The overview was ordered following concerns expressed by the Progressive Democrats that the cost of the stadium could rise to as much as £1 billion.