Alan Farrell
Question:73. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to support cricket here. [17763/18]
View answerTuesday, 24 April 2018
Questions (73)
Written answers
Cricket Ireland has received a number of important capital allocations through my Department in recent years and Sport Ireland also plays a key role in supporting Cricket Ireland on an ongoing basis. Minister Ross and I were delighted last June when the International Cricket Council (ICC) announced that Ireland had achieved Test Status, a massive milestone for the sport's development in this country.
In October 2016, Minister Ross and my predecessor, Minister of State Patrick O'Donovan, approved the development of a high performance cricket training facility at the National Sports Campus. I understand that the initial phase of the facility is due for completion in May. I also noted recently that the Board of Cricket Ireland endorsed the development of a new permanent cricket stadium at the National Sports Campus.
In relation to future capital funding more generally, the Sports Capital Programme (SCP) is the primary vehicle for Government support for the development of sport and physical recreation facilities and the purchase of non-personal sports equipment throughout the country. A wide variety of sports have been supported under the programme including cricket. An announcement on the next round of the programme is expected shortly and any suitable cricket projects submitted will be fully considered. Furthermore, the recently published National Development Plan (NDP) contains a commitment to establish a new “Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund” (LSSIF) with at least €100m available over the coming years. My officials have now commenced drafting the terms and conditions of the new LSSIF. The Fund will be for larger projects where the proposed Government contribution would exceed the amount currently available for individual projects under the SCP. In terms of calls for proposals, it is envisaged that the views of the National Governing Bodies of Sport will be sought regarding the prioritisation of projects for possible inclusion and any plans for significant cricket projects will be considered in that context.
As regards current expenditure funding for cricket, that is provided through Sport Ireland, which is the statutory body with responsibility for the promotion, development and co-ordination of sport. This includes responsibility for the allocation of funding to the National Governing Bodies of sport, including Cricket Ireland. I have referred the Deputy's question to Sport Ireland for direct reply in relation to support provided by it for cricket. I would ask the Deputy to inform my office if a reply is not received within 10 days.
Finally, I am happy to confirm the Government's commitment to continue to support the furtherdevelopment of all sport in Ireland, including Irish cricket.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 42A