Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 June 2021
275. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the degree to which she expects to assist in the provision of sporting and recreational facilities throughout Ireland with maximum community benefit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33494/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Sports Capital and Equipment Programme (SCEP) is the primary vehicle for Government support for the development of sports and recreation facilities and the purchase of non-personal sports equipment throughout the country. Over 13,000 projects have now benefited from sports capital funding since 1998, bringing the total allocations in that time to over €1 billion.
The Programme for Government commits to continuing the SCEP and to prioritise the investment in disadvantaged areas.
The 2020 round of the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme closed for applications on Monday 1st March, 2021. By the closing date, 3,106 applications were submitted seeking over €200m in funding. This is the highest number of applications ever received. The scoring system and assessment procedures have been published and all applications are being assessed in accordance with these. Given the record number of applications and the detailed information contained in each application, the assessment process will take a number of months to complete. It is envisaged that allocations for applications for sports equipment- only will be made first during the Summer with allocations to other capital projects announced before the end of the year. It is intended to allocate a minimum of €40m under this round of the Programme.
Any organisation that has not already registered with the Department and wishes to apply for funding under future rounds must first register on www.sportscapitalprogramme.ie. Organisations must have a tax registration number from the Revenue Commissioners if they wish to register.
