Written Answers. - Sports Capital Programme.
Brendan Howlin
Ceist:
46
Mr. Howlin
asked the
Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation
the criteria used in allocating funds under the sports capital programme; if he has satisfied himself with these criteria, having regard to the great disparity between counties of similar population; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[19920/99]
The sports capital programme was comprehensively reviewed by my Department in 1998. Following receipt of the report of the review group, I announced details of the new programme late last December, based on the review group's recommendations, incorporating revised guidelines, assessment criteria and terms and conditions.
Almost 1,900 applications were received by the closing date of 12 February 1999. Each of the applications was assessed and evaluated by officers from the sports unit of my Department. In the interests of consistency and fairness, all the applications from a particular county were assessed by the one officer. While all applications were treated on their merits, the highest priority was afforded to projects in disadvantaged areas aimed at increasing participation, particularly for young people.
The assessment criteria under which applications were evaluated are set out in paragraph 3.4 of guidelines which issued with each application form. Among the factors taken into consideration are the technical merits of the project, that is, does the project comply with standard technical specifications from the relevant governing body and statutory authorities; the financial viability of the project, that is, in addition to lottery funding, has the club-organisation sufficient funds or firm commitments for funding to complete the project within a realistic timeframe; the level of local funding available; the need to achieve an equitable geographical spread of funds, having regard to the range of existing facilities in each county and the need to achieve an equitable spread of funds among different sports and community groups.
A scoring system was developed, under which individual applications were scored between 0 and 5 under each heading depending on the extent to which they met the assessment criteria. Different "weights", from one to four, were attached to the various criteria depending on their importance. The highest weighting was given to the disadvantaged criteria given that special priority is being given to the development of facilities in disadvantaged areas.
At the end of the assessment process each application received a score which decided its order of priority within its own county. Comparisons between the scores for applications in respect of projects from individual counties show that in some counties a lower overall threshold applied than in others, primarily because of the differing weightings attributed to various assessment criteria, for example, whether the county had disadvantaged status.
In July last, following this extensive assessment process, I announced grants totalling £14.44 million to almost 400 local community based projects and a further £2.15 million to six regional and national projects throughout the country. Any applicant which sought a report on the assessment carried out on its application was provided with such a report which may be of assistance in the event that the organisation applies for assistance under the sports capital programme in 2000 or 2001. I am satisfied that the allocations under the 1999 programme were carried out in a fair and transparent manner.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:
47
Mr. Durkan
asked the
Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation
if he has satisfied himself that sufficient sports and recreational facilities are available to meet modern needs; the proposals, if any, he has for the enhancement in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[19970/99]
This Government has signalled its commitment to the provision of sports and recreational facilities throughout the country by increasing the provision for the sports capital programme from £5 million in 1997 to £14.75 million in 1999. 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 is allocated on the basis of individual applications received.
While all applications are treated on their merits, special priority is given to proposals for facilities in disadvantaged areas, in line with Government policy aimed at increasing participation in sport and recreation in these areas. Applicants are also now required to consult with other clubs and community groups, including schools, with sports 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 these consultations is to ensure 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 level are also required to ensure their proposals are consistent with the priorities of their national governing bodies. In addition, my Department may 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 sports and recreational facilities at local level.
Following an application process earlier this year, allocations totalling some £16 million have been made in 1999 to almost 400 local community based projects and to national and regional projects throughout the country under the new sports capital programme. Provision is being made in the multi-annual Estimates for the continuation of the programme in 2000 and 2001.
