Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 May 2004
45 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the type of project likely to be considered for funding by his Department for grant aid from the proceeds of the national lottery or otherwise under the headings of arts, sport and tourism; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15262/04]
View answerThe national lottery funded sports capital programme, administered by my Department, is the major source of funding available for provision of sporting facilities for sporting and community organisations at local, regional and national level throughout the country. Only projects of a capital nature 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 of all types, changing rooms and shower facilities and fixed, permanently based sports equipment available for the use of individual clubs and community organisations.
I recently announced provisional funding allocations of €50.8 million to 717 such projects of sporting and voluntary and community organisations throughout the country under the 2004 sports capital programme, bringing the total funding under the sports capital programme to €321 million for 4,250 projects since 1998.
The local authority swimming pool programme provides funds for grant-aiding the provision of new and the refurbishment of existing local authority swimming pools. Under the programme, grants of up to €3.8 million are made available towards either the refurbishment of existing pools and the provision of new pool, subject, in both cases, to the total grant not exceeding 80% of the eligible cost of the project — 90% for projects located in designated disadvantaged areas. The balance of the financing must be provided by the local authority directly or a combination of local authority funding, community group financing, private sector etc. Grant aid is available towards the cost of a swimming pool, toddler pool, sauna and steam room. 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.
Under my Department's ACCESS scheme, grants are provided for the capital development of arts and cultural infrastructure projects around the country. The scheme covers new facilities, redevelopment of existing arts and culture facilities and smaller community-based projects. Particular emphasis was based on community-based projects. The projects assisted include museums, integrated arts centres, and the refurbishment of existing performance spaces.
