Written Answers. - Sports Capital Programme.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:
55
Mr. Durkan
asked the
Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation
the total amount he intends to disburse in 2002 to various sporting, recreational and amenity groups on foot of the proceeds from the national lottery or other sources; the percentage increase this represents over 2001; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[2660/02]
The national lottery funded sports capital programme, administered by my Department, provides funding to voluntary sporting and community organisations at local, regional and national level towards the provision of sport and recreational facilities. Annual funding allocations under the programme have increased from 7.6 million in 1998 to 56 million in 2001, an increase of almost 700% in this period. Over 135 million has been allocated to 2,044 projects under the 1998 to 2001 programmes compared with less than 24.6 million under the previous Government from 1995 to 1997. The substantial increase in funding has provided a greatly improved network of high quality facilities for all levels and types of sport.
The Sports Capital Programme for 2002 was advertised on 25 and 26 November 2001 with a closing date of 4 January for the receipt of completed applications. In excess of 1,300 applications were received and these applications are currently being evaluated against the programme's assessment criteria, which are outlined in the guidelines, terms and conditions of the programme. I intend to announce the grant allocations for the programme as soon as possible after the assessment process has been completed. The total value of the proposed allocations has not yet been decided. This will depend on the outcome of the assessment process. It will be based on the aims and objectives of the pro gramme and subject to the approval of the Minister for Finance.
Under the local authority swimming pool programme 2000-2002, the Government has allocated an overall total of 57.15 million towards the provision of pools. This represents an increase of 400% on previous annual allocation levels.
The Irish Sports Council was established on a statutory basis on 1 July 1999. It is responsible for the administration of funding for a range of programmes to develop and enhance governing bodies of sport, their coaching, training and international competition activities. The 2002 ISC annual budget of almost 26 million represents an increase of over 50% on the 2001 figure of 19.6 million and an almost 100% increase on the 2000 figure of just over 13 million.
The 2002 ISC budget includes 250,138 for the operational and running costs of the national 50 metre pool in Limerick, with this year being the first year of the operational grant payments. The pool is located at the University of Limerick and is due to officially open in the next few months. It received a total Government allocation towards its construction of 7.55 million.
This year provision of 39,886 million has been made in respect of the completion of the aquatic and leisure centre at Abbottstown, which is required for the Special Olympics World Games 2003. This is in addition to the 40.63 million provided for the project in 2001. An amount of 19 million has also been allocated to the GAA to ensure that Croke Park will be ready to host the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2003 games. Half of this amount was paid in 2001 and the rest will be paid in 2002. Finally an allocation of 761,843 was provided in the 2002 budget to the Kill Equestrian Centre for the development of sporting facilities to be used during the games.
The greatly increased funding for sport provided by this Government has resulted in a considerably enhanced quality and range of top class facilities from national level to local community clubs and centres.
