Sports Capital Programme

Dáil Éireann Debate, Friday - 16 September 2016

Friday, 16 September 2016

Questions (1734, 1766, 1790, 1792, 1798, 1804, 1846)

James Browne

Question:

1734. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he envisages granting a sports capital programme for 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24446/16]

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

1766. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if and when the sports capital grants will open for applications to the large number of sporting bodies that are relying on these funds to remain in operation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24912/16]

Gerry Adams

Question:

1790. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if a sports capital grant will be made available for 2016; if so, when; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25320/16]

Gerry Adams

Question:

1792. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his Department has communicated the reasons behind the failure to open a sports capital grant 2016 to community and local sports clubs; and if not, his plans to do so in view of the concerns within local community groups waiting for investment to progress with plans and proposals to upgrade or develop facilities for some time. [25322/16]

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

1798. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if and when the sport capital grants will be released for 2016 in view of the fact there are a large number of sporting clubs relying on the release of these funds to continue their operations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25484/16]

Peter Burke

Question:

1804. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when the sports capital grant application system for 2016 will be opened, considering the delays associated with the adjudication and processing of applications and the urgent need of local and voluntary groups which are depending on the grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25739/16]

Brendan Smith

Question:

1846. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to launch a new sports capital programme; if provision will be made in the Estimates for his Department for 2017 for a new programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26291/16]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1734, 1766, 1790, 1792, 1798, 1804 and 1846 together.

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 most recent rounds of the programme were in 2012, 2014 and 2015. 

The aim of allocating Sports Capital Funding on an annual basis is specifically included in the Programme for Government.  As the Deputy will be aware, all Departments are currently engaged with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform in the context of finalising the Budget for next year.  Once this Estimates process is finalised, I expect to make an announcement in relation to a new round of the Sports Capital Programme.