Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 10 Dec 2002

Vol. 559 No. 1

Written Answers. - Sports Capital Programme.

Jack Wall

Question:

292 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he has satisfied himself with the level and facilities for the development of recreational sport here; the plans his Department has to provide funding to upgrade or increase the level of such facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25907/02]

Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism (Mr. O'Donoghue)

The national lottery-funded sports capital programme, which is administered by my Department, provides funding to sporting and community organisations at local, regional and national level throughout the country towards the provision of sport and recreational facilities. Under the programme, funding is allocated on the basis of individual applications received with special priority being given to proposals for facilities in disadvantaged areas in line with Government policy aimed at increasing participation in sport and recreation in these areas.

Prior to making allocations under the programme, my Department consults, as appropriate, when assessing applications, with other relevant Departments and agencies, including the Irish Sports Council, with a view to ensuring co-ordination in the provision of sport and recreational facilities at local level. Since 1998, over €213 million has been allocated under the sports capital programme to over 2,900 deserving projects in villages, towns and parishes all over the country. In that period the annual allocation increased by over 940% from just over €7.5 million in 1998 to almost €78.6 million in 2002. Of that allocation in 2002, a total of almost €20.4 million was for projects classified as ‘Community/Mixed' which would include recreational facilities provided in community centres and community-based facilities and projects where more than one sport or recreational activity was available.

Under the local authority swimming pool programme, which is also administered by my Department, grants of up to €3,809,214 are available towards both the refurbishment of existing pools and the provision of new pools throughout the country, subject in both cases to the total grant not exceeding 80% of the eligible cost of the project or, in the case of projects located in designated disadvantaged areas, 90% of the eligible cost. Support is available towards the cost of the swimming pool, toddler pool, sauna and steam room. A total of €57.14 million is available in funding under the programme, representing a 400% increase on the allocation under the previous pool programme.

Given the massive increase in investment I have outlined above, it is clear that, under this and the previous Government, there has been a huge improvement in the level of sport and recreational facilities being provided all over the country. In the context of such increased investment it is now timely to consider its impact and to formulate a new strategic plan for the provision of such facilities in the future. Such a plan, as outlined in the Agreed Programme for Government, is currently being put in place by my Department.

Jack Wall

Question:

293 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism further to Parliamentary Question No. 284 of 3 December 2002, the percentage of the grant-aid in relation to this project; the capping procedure in relation to such grants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25921/02]

Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism (Mr. O'Donoghue)

Under the Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme, grants of up to a maximum of €3,809,214 are available towards both the refurbishment of existing pools and the provision of new pools, subject in both cases to the total grant not exceeding 80% of the eligible cost of the project or, in the case of projects located in designated disadvantaged areas, 90% of the eligible cost. Support is available towards the cost of a swimming pool, toddler pool, sauna and steam room. The actual percentage grant payable depends, therefore, on the estimated eligible costs of the project.