Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 24 October 2019
243. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his Department provides funding for the provision of gymnasium or leisure centre facilities; and if so, the details of such provision in each of the last five years. [43972/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Sports Capital Programme is the primary vehicle for Government support for the development of sports and physical recreation facilities and the purchase of non-personal sports equipment.
Details of all allocations under the Sports Capital Programme since 2000, including allocations to gymnasiums and leisure centres are available on the Department’s website https://www.gov.ie/en/collection/471ed5-sports-capital-allocations/.
Separately, the Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme (LASPP), as operated by my Department, provides grant aid to local authorities towards the capital costs of new swimming pools or the refurbishment of existing pools. To date 52 pools have been completed and three swimming pool projects remain in the current LASPP. Details of all allocations under the Swimming Pools Programme are also available on the Department's website at https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/27c4d1-local-authority-swimming-pool-programme/.
In relation to the future development of large sport infrastructure projects, the National Development Plan confirmed the establishment of a new Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF) with at least €100m available over the coming years. The new scheme opened for applications on 19th November 2018 and the closing date for applications was the 17th April 2019. Leisure centre facilities are eligible under the scheme. Full details of all applications received are available on the Department's website. Allocations under the LSSIF are expected later this year.
