asked the Minister for Education if her attention has been drawn to the need for the provision of sporting and recreational facilities at Confey, Leixlip, County Kildare, having particular regard to the large and growing population; if so, if she will consider an application for capital grant aid from the national lottery, for the provison of these much required facilities; her views on whether such funds should be specifically earmarked for the provision of these facilities in new and growing urban communities such as Confey; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Leixlip (Kildare) Recreational Facilities.
164.
My Department are not aware of any proposals for the provision of sporting and recreational facilities at Confey, Leixlip, County Kildare.
Before the availability of a grant for the project in question can be considered, it will be necessary for the organisers to apply formally for aid under my Department's capital grant scheme for the provision of recreational facilities. I have sent details of this scheme to the Deputy, together with a copy of the relevant application form.
The scheme is open to all voluntary community organisations, urban and rural, and is designed to assist and encourage local initiatives in the provision of recreational, leisure and community facilities.
Due to the keen demand for the relatively limited funds available, it will not be possible to set aside particular amounts for specific categories of applications. However, in the assessment of applications and allocation of grants, my Department will endeavour to ensure an equal distribution of funds throughout the country, taking into account the existing facilities in each area, the user population and the ongoing viability of the projects.