Sports Funding

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 12 April 2017

Wednesday, 12 April 2017

Questions (340)

Clare Daly

Question:

340. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to the fact that total grant aid was provided to a college (details supplied) towards the provision of sports facilities, including a gym and sports hall; if his attention has been further drawn to the fact that residents of an area in Sligo that use the facility have been advised the gym area is to be closed down from the 1 May 2017 in order that the area can be used as classrooms; the conditions put in place when the grant aid was provided to the college; if his Department has been in communication with the college regarding this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18369/17]

Written answers

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

I am aware of the grants provided to the college as referred to by the Deputy.

As is standard for grants under the Sports Capital Programme, the grantee and my Department entered into a Deed of Covenant and Charge for the amounts of the grants which, inter alia, requires the facility to be kept in sports use for a minimum of 15 years from the date of the last payment of the grant. The last payment made by my Department for the facility in question was in 2008.

I can confirm that officials from my Department wrote to the college on 27th February seeking information on any planned changes to the facility. While a response was received to this initial correspondence, my Department has sought clarification in this regard. Once this is received, my Department will consider what further action, if any, may be necessary.