Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 29 March 2018
369. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if funding will be allocated for the upgrading of sporting facilities at a location (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14779/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Sports Capital Programme is the primary means of providing Government support to sports clubs and organisations for sports capital works. A request from St Tiarnach's GFC Clones, supported by the Monaghan GAA County Board, the GAA Ulster Council and the Central Council of the GAA, for a special allocation of €350,000, was received by my Department last year. The proposed works included roof repairs, dressing room improvements and fencing work. A special allocation was sought as the amount required exceeded the maximum available under the Sports Capital Programme. This request is still being considered in my Department.
In relation to future investment, the recently published National Development Plan (NDP)contains a commitment to establish a new “Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund” (LSSIF) with at least €100m available over the coming years. My officials will draft the terms and conditions of the new LSSIF over the coming months.The Fund will be for larger projects where the proposed Government contribution would exceed the amount currently available for projects under the SCP. In terms of calls for proposals, it is envisaged that the views of the National Governing Bodies of Sport and local authorities would be sought regarding the prioritisation of projects for possible inclusion.
In relation to specific projects, similar to projects like St. Tiarnach’s park, prior to the terms and conditions of the new scheme being finalised and relevant organisations having the opportunity to apply for funding, it is not possible to say which projects will be supported at this stage.
I expect to have the terms and conditions of the LSSIF finalised in the coming months and an announcement will be made at that stage setting out in more detail how and when organisations can apply for the funding available.
