While the Sports Capital Programme does not provide assistance with the operating costs of sports clubs and organisations, the Programme does provide grants towards the development or refurbishment of sports facilities and the provision of sports equipment. More information on the Programme is available at www.sportscapitalprogramme.ie.
In 2011 I allocated €1.25m to the Irish Amateur Boxing Association to improve the standard of facilities of boxing clubs throughout the country. This grant was overseen by the IABA and all affiliated clubs could apply for a maximum grant of €25,000 to improve the standard of their premises. In 2013 I decided to continue this successful scheme and allocated an additional amount of €1m to the IABA. In July 2014 I announced a further special allocation of €975,000 to the IABA. Most of the allocation (€750,000) was to further extend the 2011 facilities initiative. A smaller portion of the allocation (€150,000) was to enable the IABA to purchase equipment for boxing clubs, while €75,000 was provided for works at the National Stadium. While all of the grants in this scheme have been allocated, the IABA will still accept applications to place on a waiting list in the event that any existing clubs in the scheme fail to take up their grant.