The Sports Capital Programme is the Government’s primary vehicle for providing support to sports clubs and communities to develop sports infrastructure around the country. Under the 2017 round of the programme a record 2,320 application were submitted and €62m was allocated to 1,837 individual projects. For the first time, every valid local application received a grant offer. The funding in my Department's subhead in 2018 is sufficient to cover all commitments under the 2017 and previous rounds of the Sports Capital Programme.
On the 30 August 2018, having reviewed the 2017 round, and mindful of the need to further improve the programme, Minister Ross and I announced that a new round of the programme was opening for applications. €40m will be available. Applications can be made from Friday 7 September until Friday 19 October. All applications must be made online at www.sportscapitalprogramme.ie and organisations not already registered on the site must do so by Friday 5 October. Prior to the closing date it is not possible to state the total amount sought under this new round.