Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 September 2020
203. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport when the next sports capital programme grant application process will be open; the funding available for the programme in 2020 and 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23920/20]
View answerThe Sports Capital Programme (SCP) is the primary vehicle for Government support for the development of sports and recreation facilities and the purchase of non-personal sports equipment throughout the country. The Programme for Government commits to continuing the SCP and to prioritise the investment in disadvantaged areas.
The most recent (2018) round of the SCP attracted a record 2,337 applications. Allocations were announced in January, May and November of last year with a total of over €56 million awarded to 1,648 different projects. All unsuccessful applicants were given the opportunity to appeal the Department’s decision. In relation to the capital grants announced in November, a total of 122 appeals were submitted by the December deadline. The review of these appeals was completed in April with 6 new allocations approved. The priority in the short to medium term is to advance all of these projects to ensure the facilities are available for use and that the relevant grants are drawn down.
In relation to future grants, following the finalisation of the appeals process, a full Review of the 2018 round of the SCP was undertaken. This Review is currently being finalised and it is expected that a new round of the programme will be open for applications before the end of the year.
A total of 40m is available this year for distribution to grants allocated under previous rounds of the programme. The exact amount available for 2021 will be decided upon as part of the budget and estimates process.
