Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 11 Mar 1999

Vol. 502 No. 2

Written Answers. - Sports Capital Programme.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

110 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation if he has evaluated the sporting recreational needs of Naas, County Kildare, with particular reference to the increasing population and consequent extra demand for sporting, cultural and recreational facilities; if he has examined the position of the sporting, recreational and amenity groups in the town with a view to identifying the way in which to offer the highest national lottery grant aid towards these facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7555/99]

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

111 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation if he has evaluated the sporting recreational needs of Maynooth, County Kildare, with particular reference to the increasing population and consequent extra demand for sporting, cultural and recreational facilities; if he has examined the position of the sporting, recreational and amenity groups in the town with a view to identifying the way in which to offer the highest national lottery grant aid towards these facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7556/99]

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

112 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation if he has evaluated the sporting recreational needs of Celbridge, County Kildare, with particular reference to the increasing population and consequent extra demand for sporting, cultural and recreational facilities; if he has examined the position of the sporting, recreational and amenity groups in the town with a view to identifying the way in which to offer the highest national lottery grant aid towards these facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7557/99]

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

113 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation if he has evaluated the sporting recreational needs of Leixlip, County Kildare, with particular reference to the increasing population and consequent extra demand for sporting, cultural and recreational facilities; if he has examined the position of the sporting, recreational and amenity groups in the town with a view to identifying the way in which to offer the highest national lottery grant aid towards these facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7558/99]

Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation (Dr. McDaid)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 110, 111, 112 and 113 together.

Under the new national lottery funded sports capital programme, which was advertised at the end of 1998 following a review of the existing programme, funding will continue to be allocated on the basis of individual applications received. However, applicants are now required to consult with other clubs and community groups, including schools with sport and recreational facilities in their areas and the local authority before making an application for funding and to show the outcome of such consultations. The purpose of this is to ensure that regard is had to identified needs of the area and that the proposed development does not result in overlap with and/or duplication of existing facilities. Sports clubs developing projects at national and regional levels are also required to ensure that their proposals are consistent with the priorities of their national governing bodies.

In addition, my Department will consult as appropriate, when assessing applications, with other relevant departments and agencies, including the Irish Sports Council, with a view to ensuring co-ordination in the provision of sport and recreational facilities at local level.