Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 May 2022
302. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the extent to which it is anticipated to assist the sporting sector by way of grants or other means given the need to assist in their recovery notwithstanding Covid-19; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22602/22]
View answer304. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the extent to which sport and recreation in terms of facilities continues to be supported by her Department in such a way as to assist in their recovery that has to follow notwithstanding Covid-19’s continued prevalence; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22605/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 302 and 304 together.
On 13 December 2021, Minister Martin and I announced the allocation of almost €80 million for the sport sector under two separate support programmes.
This included €73.6 million in Covid-19 funding under five separate streams to help sports organisations to recover and grow post-pandemic, support our grassroots networks of clubs and local sports partnerships, and ensure that people of all ages and abilities return to sport and physical activity. The timing of the schemes provides stability and certainty to the sports sector for 2022 as it emerges from Covid-19 restrictions.
This is a very significant investment and builds on the extensive support package of €88.5m provided in 2020 to address the Covid-19 challenges to the sport sector.
A full breakdown of the funding is available on my Department’s website at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/press-release/5c21c-major-80m-funding-boost-for-sports-to-recover-grow-and-attract-people-nationwide/
In Budget 2022, the Government announced over €181 million in funding for sport this year, an increase of almost €11 million compared to the 2021 Revised Estimate. The current expenditure budget for Sport Ireland this year is €96 million, an increase of over €4 million from 2021. This funding will enable Sport Ireland to continue to support the sport sector as it recovers from the challenges of Covid and will allow continued grant funding support for sporting bodies through Sport Ireland's range of funding programmes.
Sport Ireland engages with sporting organisations on an ongoing basis and will continue to support the sector in its recovery and development post-pandemic.
From a capital perspective, on 11th February 2022, Minister Martin and I announced a package of €150 million in new capital grants under the latest round of the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme (SCEP), in addition to €16.6 million in equipment-only grants which were announced under the same round on 6th August 2021. The overall package of €166.6 million represents the highest level of funding ever provided for any round of the Programme and is indicative of the Government’s commitment to supporting the sporting sector to develop sports facilities throughout the country. My Department is currently finalising the assessment of appeals from unsuccessful applicants. Once the appeal process is complete, a full review of the this 2020 round of the SCEP will be undertaken. The precise timing of the next round of the Programme will be announced once this review is complete.
