David Stanton
Question:74 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the role his Department now plays in the development of sport here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16347/03]
Written Answers. - Sports Policy.
The overall Department objective is to encourage a vibrant and active sports sector, especially in areas of disadvantage, with increased participation, good quality, sustainable facilities and opportunities for people to play an active role in sport. Within this policy context the talents, potential and needs of the competitive and the elite are also cherished and supported in their pursuit of excellence and success in top sport. The Departmental strategy for sport guides the Irish Sport Council's actions in its promotion and development of sport as outlined in its statement of strategy for 2003 to 2005 Sport For Life. Funding for the Irish Sports Council has increased from just over €13 million in 1999 to in excess of €28 million this year. In addition, the Department, in keeping with the commitment in the agreed programme for Government has undertaken to develop a new strategy for the provision of sports facilities in Ireland and carry out an audit of existing sports facilities throughout the country.
My Department's programme has been enormously beneficial to clubs, sports organisations and community groups in every village, parish and town throughout the country. When the Government came into office in 1997 funding for sport stood at only €17,000,000. Since 1998 on the sports capital side alone my Department has allocated €213,000,000 to over 2,900 projects around the country. On top of this we have also committed over €57,000,000 towards the provision and upgrading of local authority swimming pools, which are so important to the provision of sports and leisure opportunities for all members of the community.
The new 50 metre swimming pool at the University of Limerick and the National Aquatic Centre at Abbotstown are key facilities in the context of our high performance strategy for elite competitions as well as for clubs, learners and fun swimmers. My Department also, under the terms of the Horse and Greyhound Racing Act 2001 continues to fund the development of both the sports of horse and greyhound racing.