Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 February 2004
351 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if his Department has plans to provide funding for coaching, development officers and staff for such facilities to ensure the maximum benefit to the community that they serve in view of an end of year statement on maximising of facilities funded under the sports capital programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5979/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department operates the sports capital programme. One of its key objectives is to assist voluntary and community groups, sports organisations and other bodies with their development of facilities in appropriate locations to maximise participation in sport and recreation.
High priority in allocating these capital grants is given to projects that are closely linked to participation in sport, for example, pitch development, floodlights and dressing rooms and showers. One of the criteria used to assess applications is the extent a project will increase participation levels in sport and improve performance levels.
It is not possible to assist with the provision of personnel under the sports capital programme. The Irish Sports Council is a statutory body responsible for the promotion and development of sport and my Department continues to give it substantial funding.
Funding provided to the council has been increased from €13 million in 2000 to €30.75 million this year. The council has been able to develop and fund a wide range of high quality programmes and initiatives in the area of sports participation by all age groups in the community, for example, the local sports partnership programme and the raising of performance standards through the funding of various coaching, training and development officer programmes operated by the national governing bodies of sport.
The allocation of more than €267 million to 3,500 sports facilities under the sports capital programme since 1998 has helped provide a framework for the council. It can deliver its strategic plan for Irish sport based on participation, performance and excellence.
