Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 April 2023
1277. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the reason the capital grant scheme for play and recreation is limited to one application per local authority given local authorities cover very different population sizes across the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17743/23]
View answerMy Department operates the Capital Grants Scheme for Play and Recreation in Local Authorities, to support the development of new recreation facilities for children and young people, and for the refurbishment of existing play and recreation facilities and incorporation of natural play elements.
The policy aim underpinning this scheme is to manage the allocated funding, which amounts to €450k, with a view to maximising the impact of the funding; so that as many communities as possible are able to benefit from the projects supported by this scheme.
The apportionment rules of the Capital Grants Scheme for Play and Recreation are based on the statutory subdivision of the country into 31 Local Authorities.
The Scheme is run in partnership with Local Authorities and the Local Area Play and Recreation Network (LAPRN) and it is a condition of the funding agreements underpinning this scheme that all projects are co-funded by Local Authorities (at a minimum of 25%).
While I acknowledge that there are population density discrepancies associated with the Local Authority subdivision, the current apportionment model is the most transparent and equitable option currently available to us.
Changes to this model, should they be made, will involve engagement with all Local Authorities and the LAPRN in order to properly consider other apportionment models.
