Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 21 July 2016
791. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will ensure the opening of a new round of sports capital grants to allow for important infrastructural developments for local sports clubs here; if he will confirm the programme for Government commitment to allocate sports capital grants on an annualised basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23442/16]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware that the Sports Capital Programme (SCP) is the Government's primary vehicle to support the development of sports facilities and the purchase of sports equipment. The Deputy will also be aware that there was no round of the SCP in 2009, 2010 or 2011 and that there were rounds of the programme in 2012, 2014 and 2015.
The Programme for Government contains a commitment on future Sports Capital grant allocations. While no decision has been taken on the timing of the next round of the SCP, work is underway on the design of the next round and in relation to simplifying the online application process to make it more user friendly for applicants.
I expect that I will be in a position to make an announcement shortly after the summer break.
