The deadline for receipt of applications under the new sports capital programme was 12 February last. Almost 1,900 applications were received by the closing date and these are being examined at present. Given the large number of applications received and the level of work involved in evaluating them, I have not been in a position to make final announcements on the 1999 round of grant allocations before now. However, I hope to do so in the near future.
While all applications will be treated on their merits, special priority will be given to proposals for facilities in disadvantaged areas, in line with Government policy aimed at increasing participation in sport and recreation in these areas. Other factors such as equity in the spread of funding on a geographical basis and among different sports and community groups will also be taken into account in determining grant allocations. The detailed criteria to be applied in assessing applications are set out in the guidelines for the new programme which issued with the application forms.