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Minister to seek Govt approval for €100m velodrome build

The building will include a 250 metre cycle track, 12 badminton courts and spectator seating
The building will include a 250 metre cycle track, 12 badminton courts and spectator seating

Minister for Communications, Culture and Sport Patrick O'Donovan will seek Government approval for almost €100 million to build the National Velodrome and Badminton Centre at the Sport Ireland Campus in Abbotstown.

The project is aiming to provide world class training for athletes and to increase participation in both sports.

The building will include a 250-metre cycle track, 12 badminton courts and spectator seating.

Meanwhile, Minister James Browne will brief Cabinet ahead of signing the Presidential Election Order later today.

It will set polling day for Friday, 24 October while the closing date for nominations will be 24 September.

Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration Jim O'Callaghan will bring a memo to Government detailing the size and effectiveness of the Criminal Justice DNA Database System.

The minister will inform the Cabinet that there is an increasing use of DNA in criminal cases.

Forensic Science Ireland is now exchanging data with 16 countries under the Prüm Treaty.

The number of DNA profiles on the database stands at 83,500 - an increase of 12% on 2023 numbers.

The database assisted in 1,000 investigations last year, which is nearly 40% more than 2023.

Tánaiste Simon Harris will update Government following the conclusion of the trade agreement between the United States and the European Union.

The 15% tariff is now in effect since 7 August.

While the Framework Agreement finally provides some more certainty, Irish exporters will continue to be negatively impacted by the changed trading environment with the US, the Tánaiste will tell Cabinet.

Ireland’s intention now is to assess if further improvements can be made in areas of interest for Irish exporters including spirits and medical devices.

The Tánaiste will outline his view that the forthcoming Budget must take measures to help businesses who are facing uncertain economic times.

Minister for Higher Education James Lawless will bring a proposal to Government to expand the functions of the Grangegorman Development Agency to allow work on capital projects outside the Grangegorman site.