Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 June 2018
1070. Deputy Noel Rock asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if consideration has been given under the Sports Capital Programme to allow for flexibility for a sports club which operates on State-owned land which the club itself does not own (details supplied) and has been consistently rejected due to the ineligibility even though the land is ultimately State-owned. [24685/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Sports Capital Programme (SCP) is the primary vehicle for Government support for the development of sports and physical recreation facilities and the purchase of non-personal sports equipment throughout the country.
Even if a club does not own land, it is possible to receive funding under the SCP. Clubs which do not own land can still apply for funding towards sports equipment. Furthermore, if a club does not own land but has a registered lease in place with at least 15 years remaining at application stage, the club can apply for any works that comply with the general terms and conditions of the SCP. I understand the club referred to has previously been allocated grants of over €920,000 under the SCP and this amount has been fully paid.
In relation to future rounds of the SCP, formal sanction was received last week from the Minister from Public Expenditure and Reform to open a new 2018 round of the programme. Accordingly, I expect to make an announcement in relation to the timing of the next round in the coming weeks.
In relation to the club referred to by the Deputy and any issues precluding them from submitting a valid application, I have asked my officials to engage with them, their landlord and the Office of the Chief State Solicitor as necessary to ensure a solution is found to allow them to apply for SCP funding in the future.
