The national lottery funded sports capital programme, which is administered by my Department, is the major source of funding available for the provision of sporting facilities for sporting and community organisations at local, regional and national level throughout the country. Only projects with a clearly defined sporting aspect are considered eligible for the purpose of securing recommendation for grant funding. The programme is advertised on an annual basis. The types of projects funded include indoor sports halls, community sport facilities and sports playing surfaces, changing rooms and shower facilities available for the usage of individual clubs and community organisations.
Following assessment of applications received under the 2003 sports capital programme, a total of over €52.8 million was allocated in grant funding to 617 projects. This included an allocation of over €13.4 million to 108 projects classified as ‘community-mixed' under the programme. Since 1998, under the sports capital programme, almost €267 million has been allocated to over 3,500 sport or recreation projects in clubs and community facilities in villages and towns throughout the country.
The 2004 sports capital programme was advertised in the national press on 30 November and 1 December last. The closing date for receipt of completed applications is Friday, 16 January 2004. All applications received will be evaluated against the programme's assessment criteria, which are outlined in the guidelines, terms and conditions of the programme.
This Government intends, as it committed to do in An Agreed Programme for Government, to put in place a long-term strategic plan to ensure the development of sports facilities throughout the country. The first step in this process has commenced with a review of the existing sports capital programme under the Department's expenditure review programme. The purpose of this review is to establish what has been achieved under this programme over recent years with a view to identifying gaps in the existing provision and procedures and setting priorities for the future. The expenditure review will be completed by the end of this year.
The swimming pool capital programme under my aegis provides funds for grant-aiding the provision of new and the refurbishment of existing local authority swimming pools, some of which are operated by local community groups. The provision in my Department's Estimates for 2004 for the local authority swimming pool programme is €15 million. This represents an increase of 67% on the estimate provision of €9 million for 2003. The maximum grant available under the programme is €3.8 million, subject 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. In addition to pool construction, approved grant aid may also be applied towards the cost of a toddler pool, sauna and steam room. The balance of the financing must be provided by the local authority directly or a combination of local authority funding and other group financing such as from community groups.
The scheme applies to pools provided by local authorities themselves or by other bodies where the application for capital funding is supported by the local authority.
Where a project is being undertaken by an organisation other than a local authority, the proposal must be considered, supported and submitted by the relevant local authority. Before supporting a project, the local authority would have to be satisfied that the proposal was viable, that the balance of funding required to complete the project was available and that the project, when completed, would have a satisfactory level of public access.
To assist the Department in formulating future policy on swimming pools, the Department has commenced an expenditure review of the local authority swimming pool programme. This review is examining, among other things, how the programme has worked to date, the benefits which have accrued to the areas where pools have been built through the existing programme and what amendments, if any are required to ensure the effective and efficient delivery of the programme. In that context the potential of a PPP approach to swimming pool provision is being considered.
Question No. 123 answered with Question No. 117.