Sports Capital Programme

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 February 2019

Tuesday, 5 February 2019

Ceisteanna (541, 548)

Bríd Smith

Ceist:

541. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the supports available for clubs (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5117/19]

Bríd Smith

Ceist:

548. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the supports available for clubs (details supplied) in view of the development of a location; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5038/19]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport

I propose to take Questions Nos. 541 and 548 together.

In relation to capital works, the 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. The most recent round of the SCP closed for applications on 19 October 2019.

It will be open to any organisation with a suitable project to apply for funding under future rounds of the SCP. While the programme does not fund the purchase of land, a club without its own land can apply for non-personal sports equipment or for small scale capital works, with a maximum grant of €50,000, provided they have they permission of their landlord to make such an application. The most recent guide to the programme explains this process in detail and is available on my Department's website at www.sportscapitalprogramme.ie.

With regard to current funding for sports clubs, Sport Ireland is the statutory body with responsibility for the development of sport, increasing participation at all levels and raising standards, including the allocation of funding to sports bodies. While it does not provide direct funding for clubs or individuals, the agency does channel funding through the relevant National Governing Body of Sport, in this case the GAA. There is no mechanism by which Sport Ireland can allocate funding outside of this process. Accordingly, the clubs in question may wish to contact the GAA to see if they can assist in any way.