Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 8 May 2019
1270. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason for the delay in the payment of the sports capital grant for a club (details supplied) in County Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18508/19]
View answerThe Sports Capital Programme is the primary vehicle for Government support for the development of sports and physical recreation facilities and the purchase of non-personal sports equipment throughout the country.
Given the substantial investments made under the programme, it is a requirement where grants or cumulative grants reach a certain threshold that the State's investment is protected by way of placing a first legal charge which is registered on the title of the grantee’s property. This provides the Department with a guarantee that grant aided facilities will continue to be used for sporting purposes. The Chief State Solicitor's Office (CSSO) acts on behalf of the Department in relation to the legal formalities required to put in place such a charge.
Prior to my Department issuing formal approval to the club referred to by the Deputy, we require confirmation from the CSSO that the legal formalities are complete. I understand engagement is ongoing between the CSSO and the club’s solicitors in this regard. Once confirmation is received that all matters have been finalised, there will be no undue delay from my Department's perspective in progressing the drawdown of the grant.
