Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 16 Nov 2000

Vol. 526 No. 2

Written Answers. - Sports Capital Programme.

Ivor Callely

Question:

124 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation if he will advise of the funding available to community groups to assist in the development of their communities with sport and recreational facilities to address anti-social activities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26202/00]

Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation (Dr. McDaid):

The Young People's Facilities and Services Fund (YPFSF), which forms part of the Government's national drugs strategy, provides funding to support the development of youth facilities, including sport and leisure facilities, and services in disadvantaged areas where a significant drug problem exists or has the potential to develop. To date, the fund has allocated in excess of £37 million over three years to assist more than 330 projects with the primary aim of attracting young people in the targeted areas, at risk of becoming involved in drugs, into more healthy pursuits.

The main focus of the fund is on the local drugs task force areas, where the drug problem is most acute. To date, over 90 capital projects have been approved for funding, including 49 youth facilities, 21 sports clubs and 19 community centres. In addition, over 70 youth and outreach workers are being appointed by community-based groups to work on the ground with the target group offering developmental activities and educational programmes for young people who have traditionally found themselves outside the scope of mainstream youth work due to family background, involvement with crime, drug misuse or lack of education. Five sports workers have also been appointed by the local authorities to encourage greater involvement of the target group in sports and recreational activities.

The sports capital programme operated by my Department aims to develop an integrated and planned approach to the development of sport and recreational facilities by assisting voluntary and community organisations with the development of appropriate facilities in locations that will maximise use in terms of participation in sport and recreation. Under the programme priority is given to the needs of disadvantaged areas in the provision of facilities.

The 2000 sports capital programme was advertised in early December 1999 and the closing date for the receipt of application forms was 11 February 2000. Almost 1,650 applications were received and, following assessment of these applications, grants totalling £36 million were allocated to 677 projects throughout the country.

I am planning to announce the 2001 sports capital programme next month and it will be open to all groups and organisations to make an application to my Department.

Question No. 125 taken with Question No. 14.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

126 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation if grant aid is available for restoration works to a listed parish building (details supplied) in Kilcock, County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26216/00]

Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation (Dr. McDaid):

The sports capital programme administered by my Department aims to assist voluntary and community organisations with the development of appropriate facilities for an integrated and planned approach to sports and recreation, with priority for designated disadvantaged areas.

I intend to announce the 2001 sports capital programme next month at which time it will be open to all organisations to apply for an application form and a copy of the guidelines, terms and conditions for funding. All of the applications will be assessed in accordance with the assessment criteria outlined in the guidelines, terms and conditions governing the programme. Applications from schools must be made jointly with local sports and community groups.