Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 6 Nov 2002

Vol. 556 No. 4

Written Answers. - Sport and Recreational Facilities.

Paddy McHugh

Question:

229 Mr. McHugh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs following from An Agreed Programme for Government, the proposals he has to redress the lack of recreation facilities in disadvantaged areas; the areas deemed to be disadvantaged areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20799/02]

Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs (Éamon Ó Cuív)

With regard to the commitment in the programme for Government, officials in my Department will shortly initiate discussions with the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism on how best to carry out the survey of the availability of recreation facilities in disadvantaged areas.

In this context, the Deputy should note that the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism has commenced preliminary work on drawing up a new long-term strategic plan for the provision of sports facilities throughout the country and as part of the process, a national audit of local sports facilities will be carried out.

The definition and identification of areas of disadvantage will be discussed with the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism in the context of the proposed audit. Please note also that my Department assists with the provision of such facilities through the once-off grant schemes formerly administered by the Department of Social, Community and Family Affairs with a particular reference to disadvantage. The Gaeltacht and Islands section of the Department also funds such facilities in Gaeltacht and Islands areas.

Under the CLÁR initiative top up grants have been given to successful applicants under the sports capital grants scheme and the Gaeltacht and islands scheme for recreational facilities.