The club in question applied for funding under the 2007 and 2008 Sports Capital Programmes. These eligible applications were assessed and received grant funding under the programme of €750,000 in 2007 and €500,000 in 2008. These provisional allocations were made towards the new stadium in Stranorlar. The club was also successful under the 1999 programme and received a grant of €190,461 for Finn Park.
These grant allocations are subject to the terms and conditions of the Programme, which include the execution of a Deed of Covenant and Charge. A Deed provides, inter alia, for a refund of the grant in the event of the facility not continuing to be used for the purpose for which the grant was allocated. The Department’s legal adviser, the Chief State Solicitor’s Office (CSSO), deals with the grantee’s solicitor in executing this Deed. The club is awaiting a copy of their stamped lease to be returned from the Revenue Commissioners which will be forwarded to the CSSO in order to place a charge on it.
I understand that the contractor has completed some provisional site works and drainage and hopes to be back on site as soon as legalities are completed. As soon as these legalities are finalised and upon receipt of a valid tax clearance certificate from the organisation, my Department will be in a position to make a payment of almost €125k on foot of invoices already submitted by the organisation which have been examined and certified by the Department's technical advisers, the OPW.
