Vol. 544 No. 1
252 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation the work which has been carried out under his remit as provider of recreational facilities; and if he will re-double his efforts to help solve this problem. [28306/01]
The sports capital programme, which is administered by my Department, provides grants to organisations for the provision of sporting and recreational facilities. Among the objectives of the programme are: to assist voluntary and community organisations with the development of appropriate facilities in appropriate locations that will maximise use in terms of participation in sport and recreation; to encourage the multi-purpose use of facilities at national, regional and community level by clubs, community organisations and national governing bodies of sport; to prioritise the needs of disadvantaged areas in the provision of facilities. Voluntary and community organisations can apply for assistance under the programme. Projects must be directly related to the provision of sport and recreation facilities.
In 2001, I allocated a total of over £44.2 million –€56.2 million – through the sports capital programme to 703 projects around the country, of which over £14m –€17.9 million was allocated to 160 projects which were classified as community or mixed sport. In all, since this Government took office I have allocated over £106m –€135 million to 2,044 projects, compared with a total of less than £19.4m –€24.6 million by the previous Government through 1995-1997.
The young people's facilities and services fund – YPFSF – was established in 1998, in the context of the Government's national drugs strategy, to assist in the development of preventative strategies and initiatives in a targeted manner through the development of youth facilities, including sport and recreational facilities, and services in disadvantaged areas where a significant drug problem exists or has the potential to develop. The objective of the YPFSF is to attract "at risk" young people in disadvantaged areas into these facilities and activities and divert them away from the dangers of substance abuse. The target group for the fund is 10-21 year olds who are marginalised through a combination of risk factors relating to family background, environmental circumstances, educational disadvantage, involvement in crime and-or drugs etc.
An Exchequer contribution of over £26 million –€33 million – has been allocated to date for the provision of youth orientated facilities. The type of projects and initiatives approved as part of the plans and strategies submitted to date include: capital projects such as building, renovating or fitting out community centres, youth facilities and sports clubs so as to provide suitable accommodation for programmes and services geared for the most "at risk" young people in an area. Access for the target group is an essential condition of funding for capital projects. A number of purpose-built youth centres which will provide a focal point for youth activities in an area, particularly those areas such as Tallaght, Ballymun, Clondalkin and Blanchardstown, where there is a dearth of dedicated youth facilities.
Through the schemes outlined above, the funding allocated towards the provision of sport and recreational sport facilities at a community level is unprecedented.
Question No. 253 answered with Question No. 107.
