Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 26 July 2017
1356. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will examine the possibility of funding a new water sports and activity centre in Athy, County Kildare, in view of the fact that Athy has both a river and a canal and many groups and clubs would benefit from such a new centre. [35406/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Sports Capital Programme (SCP) is the Government's primary vehicle to support the development of sports facilities and the purchase of sports equipment.
The 2017 round of the Sports Capital Programme closed for applications on 24 February last. By the closing date, a record number of 2,320 applications seeking €155 million in grants were received. All of the applications are currently being assessed and I understand that a number of applications have been received from water sports organisations in the Athy area.
The total amount available to allocate under this round is €30 million. Accordingly, the allocation of grants will be particularly challenging and unfortunately there will be many valid applications which we cannot fund on this occasion. It will take a further number of weeks to complete the assessment process and I expect that an announcement regarding allocations will be made in September.
In relation to future rounds of the SCP, the type of project referred to by the Deputy may be suitable for funding once it complies with the terms and conditions as set out in the guide to making an application. Any organisation that wishes to make an application under future rounds must first register on www.sportscapitalprogramme.ie. More generally, my Department is also currently undertaking a review of national sports policy. This includes a specific focus on how Government should fund sports facilities in the years ahead.
