Léim ar aghaidh chuig an bpríomhábhar
Gnáthamharc

Sports Funding

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 May 2022

Tuesday, 24 May 2022

Ceisteanna (192)

Imelda Munster

Ceist:

192. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will provide a list of the grants or other State supports that are available to sports clubs, including eligibility details for each grant. [26507/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

In relation to my Department's responsibilities, three schemes provide capital grant assistance for the development and improvement of sports facilities.

The 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 €1.1 billion.   The Programme for Government commits to continuing the SCEP and to prioritising the investment in disadvantaged areas.

Full details of the Programme including a copy of the latest "Guide to Making an Application" (which sets out the terms and conditions of the scheme) are available at the following link: - www.gov.ie/en/service/d13385-sports-capital-programme/#introduction.

Funding is also provided by my Department for sports facilities under the Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF). The LSSIF is designed for projects where the grant sought is greater than the maximum available under the SCEP. The first allocations under the LSSIF were announced in January 2020 and thus far, approximately €86.4 million has been awarded to 33 different proposals. Full details of the LSSIF including all allocations can be found at www.gov.ie/en/service/4113b3-large-scale-sport-infrastructure-fund-lssif/.

The Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme (LASPP) provides grant aid 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 programme. Exchequer support for any new swimming pool projects is now being provided under the LSSIF.

In relation to current funding for sport, this is allocated by Sport Ireland across its various programmes. Sport Ireland does not provide direct funding for clubs but channels the funding through the relevant National Governing Body of Sport.  In addition, there are funding opportunities available to sports clubs and community groups through the network of Local Sports Partnerships.

Barr
Roinn