The 2017 round of the programme was open for applications from 23 January until 24 February 2017. 2,320 applications were received during that time seeking a total of €155 million. This is the highest number of applications ever submitted under the programme and is testament to the continued relevance of the programme to sports and community groups.
It was initially planned to allocate a total of €30 million under this round meaning that many worthwhile projects could not be funded. In view of the level of demand however, I am pleased that extra resources have been secured as part of the recent budget discussions which will allow an increased level of allocation. Officials in my Department are finalising the assessment of all of the 2,320 applications received and I expect to be in a position to announce full details of allocations in the coming weeks.