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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 4 Oct 2001

Vol. 541 No. 3

Written Answers. - Sports Capital Programme.

Tom Hayes

Question:

55 Mr. T. Hayes asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation the number of applications received from south Tipperary under the sports capital grants scheme for 2001; the number which were successful; the number which were unsuccessful; the way in which the area compared with other parts of the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22475/01]

A total of 1,467 applications were received under the 2001 sports capital programme, of which 61 were from County

Tipperary. Applications are classified and assessed on a county basis and it is not possible therefore to give specific figures related to regions within a county.

I allocated a total of £43.5 million to 696 projects throughout the country, of which £1,407,500 was allocated to 32 projects in County Tipperary. This is the largest amount ever allocated to County Tipperary under the sports capital programme, representing an increase of over 70% and almost £600,000 on the previous year. In all, the county has been allocated £2,731,500 under the current Government through the 1998-2001 programmes, compared with just £549,000 under the previous Government under the 1995-97 programmes.

Every effort is made to achieve a balanced geographical spread of funds to benefit all types of eligible projects in all categories, having regard to the existing range of facilities in each county while also affording the highest priority to projects in disadvantaged areas aimed at increasing participation, particularly for young people.

In the case of regional and national projects, my Department, in addition to normal assessment criteria, consults with the relevant national governing bodies of the organisations in question with a view to establishing their present and future priorities. Where appropriate, my Department also consults with the Irish Sports Council, other Departments and with the local authorities in relation to their respective priorities for the provision of sporting facilities. In any particular year, the allocation of grants to national and regional facilities, arising particularly from the prioritisation established by the relevant governing bodies of the sports involved, can lead to some apparent distortion of county totals.
Question No. 56 answered with Question No. 8.
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