Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 June 2020
722. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the efforts he and agencies under his remit are making to ensure the future viability of a sport (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12459/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra738. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the additional funding which will be made available to local sporting clubs in view of the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on fundraising opportunities; if funding will be allocated to national governing bodies; the extent of funding available; the process for applying for and distributing this funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12616/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 722 and 738 together.
Last Friday, my colleague Minister of State for Tourism and Sport Brendan Griffin and I announced a funding package of up €70 million to support the sport sector, which has been significantly impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic.
This funding package includes;
- Funding of up to €40m for the three main field sports organisations – the FAI, the GAA and the IRFU.
- a Resilience Fund of up to €10m to support the National Governing Bodies of Sport,
- a Sports Club Resilience Fund of up to €15m to support clubs, and
- a Sports Restart and Renewal Fund of up to €5m.
This additional funding, along with the Roadmap accelerations announced by An Taoiseach on Friday, will ensure the survival of our vibrant sport sector, particularly the network of clubs throughout the country.
This additional funding will be invested through four new grant schemes which will be developed by Sport Ireland and my Department and administered by Sport Ireland. Funding allocations to the National Governing Bodies and clubs under the new schemes will be determined following a robust grant application and assessment process conducted by Sport Ireland.
Sport Ireland will announce an open invitation to applications from funded bodies for assistance under the grant schemes.
The development of the sport mentioned by the Deputy is a matter for the relevant National Governing Body. I am confident however, that the new funding schemes will assist in that regard.
