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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 7 Jun 2000

Vol. 520 No. 4

Written Answers. - Sports Funding.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

36 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation the plans, if any, he has for the implementation of an integrated sporting and recreational development plan with the objective of provision of such facilities here in line with those available in other jurisdictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15929/00]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

203 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation if, in the context of meeting sporting and recreational targets, regard has been had for norms in regard to such facilities in other European countries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16076/00]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

211 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation if Ireland's investment in the provision of facilities for track and field events, community based or in association with educational institutions, is on par with such provisions in other countries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16084/00]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 36, 203 and 211 together.

This Government has increased funding for the development of sport and recreational facilities by over 350% since coming into office, from £8.5 million in 1997 to £41.07 million in the Estimates for the year 2000. This includes: more than a trebling in funding for the sport capital programme from £5 million in 1997 to £15.2 million in 2000; more than a quadrupling in the provision for the swimming pool programme from £3.5 million in 1997 to £15.18 million in 2000; assistance for the development of Ireland's first ever 50 metre swimming pool; and a £20 million grant towards the development of Croke Park.

The sports capital programme provides funding for sporting facilities at national, regional and local level. Prior to deciding on the funding for national and regional facilities my Department, in addition to normal assessment criteria, consults with all the national governing bodies of the organisations in question with a view to establishing their present and future priorities. My Department also consults with the Irish Sports Council, other Government Departments and with the local authorities in relation to their respective priorities for the provision of sporting facilities.
Under the programme, special priority is given to proposals for facilities in disadvantaged areas, in line with Government policy aimed at increasing participation in sport and recreation in these areas. In addition, applicants are required to consult with other clubs and community groups, including schools with sport and recreational facilities in their area, and the local authority before making an application for funding and to show the outcome of such consultations. The purpose of this is to ensure that regard is had to identified needs of the area and that the proposed development does not result in an overlap with and/or duplication of existing facilities. Sports clubs developing projects at national level are also required to ensure that the proposals are consistent with the priorities of their respective national governing bodies.
This programme, together with the expanded local authority swimming pool programme, the 50 metre pool in Limerick, the improved Croke Park and planned development of Sports Campus Ireland will provide the country with a much increased range of top class indoor and outdoor sports facilities.
Under the national development plan, financial assistance amounting to £85 million will be available over the seven years of the plan to support the development of sport and recreational facilities by local authorities, particularly in areas which lack them and for voluntary groups developing multi-sport and recreational facilities where no such facilities currently exist.
I am satisfied, and I am sure the House will agree, that there is now under this Government an ambitious programme of state assisted expansion under way in a wide range of sports facilities and support services, catering for both the elite participant and the general public, right across the country.
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