Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 17 December 2020
321. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will accept a legal undertaking relating to the drawdown of lottery funds (details supplied) as outlined to her Department by the solicitor of the club in question as it is experiencing delays in the registration process of the Property Registration Authority; and if she will expedite the matter. [44256/20]
View answerThe Sports Capital and Equipment 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 deeds of covenant and charge against 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 Solicitors Office (CSSO) acts on behalf of the Department to ensure that all legal requirements are completed.
In relation to any proposals from the club’s solicitors to expedite the legal requirements, my Department will be guided by the CSSO. In this regard, my officials are continuing to liaise with the CSSO on the matter and will be in contact with the club again as soon as possible.
