Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 November 2024
194. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media to provide details as to the reason the application made for the new stadium for a club (details supplied) was not approved under the large-scale sports infrastructure fund 2024; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45690/24]
View answerOn Monday, 4 November, Minister Martin and I announced the second round of funding allocations under the Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF). This follows the first LSSIF round of allocations announced in January 2020. The total amount of grants awarded is €173 million, benefiting 35 individual projects, and a diversity of sports. With this announcement, the cumulative investment from the Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund since 2020 now stands at €297 million.
All applications submitted under the LSSIF Fund were required to have the prioritised endorsement of a National Governing Body for Sport (NGB) or of a local authority. This prioritisation was one of a number of factors taken into account in the assessment and ultimate ranking of projects. The assessment and ultimate ranking of project was also informed by factors such as the potential to enhance sports participation, sustainability, similar access for both men and women, and the ability to execute the project within a specified timeframe.
In respect of prioritisation, the project in question was ranked third in priority by Louth County Council and ranked fourth in priority by the FAI. It should be noted that prioritisation is strictly a matter for the local authority and/or NGB concerned.
In relation to LSSIF applications which have not received an allocation, it should be noted that a reserve list is being prepared by the Department, on which all remaining valid applications will be assessed and placed in a prioritised order such as this project. As additional LSSIF funding becomes available, projects on the reserve list should then be able to be funded.
I can confirm that the application in question is valid. As I have publicly stated, this is a strong proposal, it is valid, and when further progress happens in relation to it - including an application for and grant of planning permission - and as funding becomes available, it should then be able to be funded. I met with the Chairperson of the club in question since the announcement of allocations under the second round of the LSSIF and informed him of this.
