The sports capital programme for 2000 was advertised in early December 1999 with a closing date of 11 February 2000 for the receipt of completed applications. Initial processing of these applications has commenced and, if the organisation in question has submitted an application, a letter of acknowledgement will issue from my Department in due course.
Applications received under the programme will be evaluated against the programme's assessment criteria which are outlined in the guidelines which accompanied the application form. While all applications will be treated on their merits, the highest priority will be afforded to projects in disadvantaged areas aimed at increasing participation, particularly for young people. I intend to announce the grant allocations at the earliest possible date following completion of this assessment.