Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 27 April 2023
280. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if free public golf greens and pitch-and-putt holes will be included in the forthcoming round of the sports capital and equipment programme as eligible projects, such as a facility (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20087/23]
View answerAs Minister with responsibility for sport, my priority is to increase participation in sport and boost physical activity throughout the population. The Sports Capital and Equipment Programme (SCEP) 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. Over 13,000 projects have now benefited from sports capital funding since 1998, bringing the total allocations in that time to over €1.15 billion. The Programme for Government commits to continuing the SCEP and to prioritising investment in disadvantaged areas.
Grants are available to both pitch and putt and golf clubs provided they do not charge excessive membership fees. Local authorities can also apply for assistance towards suitable public sports facilities.
With regard to the timing and the terms and conditions of the next round, following completion of the appeal process, my Department commenced a full review of all aspects of the 2020 round of the SCEP. A draft of the Review has been provided to me and I hope to publish the Review shortly. While the terms and conditions of the next round are not fully finalised, I expect projects similar to the one highlighted to be eligible for funding.
My officials are engaging with the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform in relation to the launch of the next cycle of the SCEP. Once this engagement is concluded, I will announce the exact dates from which new applications will be accepted. In relation to the funding available to allocate, I will continue to engage with my colleague, Minister Paschal Donohoe to maximise the total funding envelope available for the Programme in the years ahead. Clearly the level of demand will be a key determinant but every effort will be made to fund as many worthwhile projects as possible while providing a sufficient level of grant to ensure the projects are viable.
