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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 8 Nov 2000

Vol. 525 No. 3

Written Answers. - Sports Funding.

Question:

402 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation if, further to his reply to Parliamentary Question No. 181 of 18 October 2000, a group can avail of assistance under the young people's services and facilities fund. [25153/00]

Minister of State at the Department of Tourism, Sport and Recreation (Mr. Ryan)

All funding under the current phase of the young people's facilities and services fund has been allocated. The primary focus of the fund has been on local drugs task force areas, including Dublin 12, where the heroin problem is most acute. In these areas, development groups, comprising representatives from the local drugs task force, local authority and VEC, were established to develop integrated plans on the basis of locally-identified needs.

In eight of the local drugs task force areas, including Dublin 12, funding has been ear-marked for an ongoing small grants fund – up to £6,000 per group – to support locally-based sport and youth groups with equipment and basic programme costs to provide activities and pro grammes for young people at risk. Details of the application procedure for these small grants are available from the relevant VEC in the area.

Ivan Yates

Question:

403 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation if grant aid is available, either through the economic regional development fund or through any public sector funds through the national development plan, for capital expenditure on new hotels, associated leisure centres or golf courses; if so, the way in which such grants will be administered; and if so when such grants will become available. [25154/00]

Under the current national development plan, support for tourism product development will be made available under the tourism measure within the regional operational programmes, which are expected to be approved shortly by the European Commission. Bord Fáilte Éireann will be the implementing body for three of the sub-measures – i.e., major attractors, special interest activities and tourism and the environment – and for the administration of the £100 million of Exchequer and EU moneys allocated to them.

Actual decisions on grant approval for individual projects will, as with the previous Operational Programme for Tourism (1994-1999), fall to independent product management boards appointed by the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation.

Tourist accommodation projects, including associated leisure centres or golf courses, will not be a priority for grant assistance under the regional operational programmes.

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