Under the 2000 sports capital programme grants to the value of almost €45.5 million were allocated to 679 projects towards the development of sporting and recreational facilities.
I intend to advertise the 2003 sports capital programme and invite applications to it at the end of March. At that time the application forms and guidelines, terms and conditions of the programme will be available. The level of allocations under the 2003 programme will depend on the number of applications, the amount of funding requested and the available resources. The Abridged Estimates for my Department for 2003 include a provision of €60 million to meet existing commitments and those to be made in 2003.