Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 June 2023
333. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the engagement that has been had with Europe in regard to the suitability and longevity of 4G playing pitches, and the components of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30839/23]
View answerMy Department's main role with regard to artificial pitches relates to providing grant assistance for the development of such facilities. In this regard, 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.
It is a requirement of the SCEP that all materials purchased and development works generally comply with all relevant national and EU regulations. In relation to these standards, the European Commission has been advancing a proposal for a microplastics restriction under the REACH Regulation (EC No 1907/2006) which, when adopted, will have implications for the material that can be used in artificial playing pitches in the future. The primary aim of the restriction is to eradicate over time, the leaking of intentionally added microplastics from various sources, including artificial sports pitches, into the environment and to replace these microplastics with more environmental and sustainable alternatives.
The negotiations on the proposals were led by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. The proposed measures do not specify which alternatives would be suitable or preferable, only which materials cannot be used in the future. I understand however, that the Commission is satisfied that suitable alternative materials are available. The proposed transition period for the ban on placing on the market of granular rubber infill is 8 years to ensure that a larger number of existing synthetic sports surfaces using this product can reach their natural end-of life before they need to be replaced.
It is not anticipated that the restriction will be adopted, published or enter into force prior to August 2023 at the earliest and the potential impacts of the forthcoming restriction will be highlighted to all new applicants for funding under the SCEP.
