Stadium decision due in weeks

Minister John O'Donoghue has said the decision on a new national sports stadium will be made within the coming weeks.

The Sports Minister made the comments as he outlined the end of year statement for his department, and the outlook for the coming year.

The Minister has said he must sit down and consider all facts before making a final decision on the stadium issue.

In his end of year statement, Mr O'Donoghue has said over 600 projects were given national lottery money to the tune of €55m to improve sports facilities.

One of the highlights of the year, according to the Minister, was the completion of the National Aquatics Centre on time and within budget.

This year, Mr O'Donoghue has promised more funding for the Athens Olympics and the Para-Olympic games.