Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 November 2023
1374. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will provide details regarding the process for technological universities (TUs) to apply for HEA capital infrastructure funding aimed at supporting the development of on-campus sporting facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47248/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Sports Capital Equipment Programme (SCEP) which is administered by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media is the main channel of Government support for developing sports facilities and purchasing sports equipment for sports clubs and organisations across Ireland. Such projects include regional centres of excellence, Local Authority Projects and sports facilities at third level institutions.
Higher Education Institutions are eligible under the Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF) which is again administered by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media.
The Higher Education Authority (HEA) receives its capital allocation from the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science (DFHERIS) and the objectives of any Fund for the sector are agreed with DFHERIS in advance. Typically, sport facilities have fallen outside the objective of funds by DFHERIS.
