Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 February 2018
651. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his Department will pursue an application by an organisation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10057/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Sports Capital Programme (SCP) has been the primary means of providing Government support to sports clubs and organisations for sports capital works. Allocations under the 2017 round of the programme were announced on 30 November (local projects) and 21 December (regional projects) with a total of €60m allocated. Under this most recent round of the SCP, the maximum grant which could be applied for was €150,000 for local projects and €200,000 for a regional project.
In relation to future investment, the recently published National Development Plan 2018 - 2027 contains a commitment to establish a new “Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund” with €100m available over the coming years. The Fund will be for larger projects where the proposed Government contribution exceeds the amount available under the SCP.
My officials will draft the terms and conditions of the new scheme over the coming months. All projects funded under the scheme will be subject to the Public Spending Code and State Aid requirements. In terms of calls for proposals, it is envisaged that at a minimum, the National Governing Bodies of Sport and local authorities will be asked to prioritise projects for possible inclusion. Prior to the terms and conditions of the new scheme being finalised and relevant organisations having the opportunity to apply, it is obviously not possible at this stage to say whether any specific projects will be supported under the new scheme. I am aware however, of the development plans for the stadium referred to and recently visited the venue at the request of Deputy Peter Burke to be updated on the proposals in this regard.
