Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 16 November 2016
231. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when the sports capital grant application system will be open; the supports that will be put in place to assist clubs with their applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35240/16]
View answerThe 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.
Following the conclusion of the 2017 Estimates discussions, a total of €52m has been provided for sports capital projects. This will meet all existing commitments under previous rounds of the Sports Capital and Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme, and also allow for a new round of the of the Sports Capital Programme.
In relation to the supports available for clubs to complete the application, the new Programme will include a revised online portal which will make the process more user-friendly. Other supports will include a comprehensive written guide and video guides. Staff in the relevant section of my Department will also be available to assist clubs by phone and email.
The new round will be open for applications by January at the latest. Based on previous rounds of the programme, the assessment process takes a number of months to complete so I expect that actual grant allocations will be made some time during Summer 2017. I will be announcing more comprehensive details of the new round shortly.
