Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 29 September 2011
12 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the way he will ensure sports funding will prioritise projects which increase participation in sport on a local and national level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26501/11]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe programme for Government provides that "In future sports funding should prioritise projects which further greater participation in sport on a local and national level". I will be keeping this commitment in mind in the context of the allocation of any future sports funding.
The sports capital programme has transformed the sporting landscape of Ireland with improved facilities in virtually every village, town and city around the country. The facilities funded range from new equipment for the smallest clubs, to regional multi-sport centres and national centres of sporting excellence. Almost 7,500 allocations have been made since 1998, bringing the total allocations in that time to over €743 million. These grants continue to play a pivotal role in ensuring the provision of modern, high quality facilities around Ireland which attract more people to participate in sporting activities.
Regarding the current expenditure funding for sports programmes, I can inform the Deputy that the Irish Sports Council has a statutory responsibility for the promotion and development of sport in Ireland. One of the central functions of the council, and a key pillar in its statement of strategy, is to increase participation rates in sport. Since its establishment in 1999, funding of almost €416 million has been provided to the Irish Sports Council towards initiating, developing and enhancing a wide range of programmes aimed at increasing participation and raising standards in Irish sport. A further amount of €46.8 million has been provided this year. The allocation for this year will allow the Irish Sports Council to implement the commitments in its strategic plan to increase participation in sport and to improve the levels of performance by our elite athletes in world-class competition.
I thank the Minister of State for his reply. I was struck by the simplicity of the Sport England plan to deliver an additional 1 million people doing at least 30 minutes of sport three times a week by March 2013. This is a target which people understand and to which they can relate. Naturally, such a target requires a substantial plan. Does the Minister of State think the Irish Sports Council could have a similar strategy? Would funding be available as well as strategic and delivery timetables for increasing participation levels in sports? What level of co-operation would be put in place with primary and secondary schools and colleges?
Since this Government came into office, this Department has introduced initiatives to allocate funding to local authorities in particular. I refer to initiatives under the sports capital programme which are to help local authorities to provide facilities in areas where sporting organisations are not established. I refer to Mugga Parks where children can play volleyball or basketball. The Department allocated €1.2 million to the Irish Amateur Boxing Association. This association has provided facilities to young people over many years and may not have received sufficient funds from other sources and the sports capital programme. The association will administer the fund.
The swimming pools initiative is an upgrading of swimming pools in order to encourage more people, in particular people with disabilities, to avail of them. The local authorities have made the applications and we have spread that funding around the country. In all fairness to the Department, we have looked at areas which in the past may not have received the required funding. We are targeting areas where the facilities may not exist and to which they are entitled.
It is hoped to publish a new strategy to outline the Government position regarding the targeting of sport so more people will be encouraged to participate. A recent survey showed that 15% of the population do not take part in any kind of sport. This is bad for themselves and for their health. We would not need as many doctors, hospitals or surgeons if people would do the simple things, such as walking, cycling or such like. We are targeting these areas.
Does Deputy McLellan wish to ask a supplementary question?
No, I thank the Minister of State.
