Shane Ross T.D., Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, and Brendan Griffin T.D. Minister of State for Tourism and Sport, today announced €4m in allocations for regional projects under the 2017 round of the Sports Capital Programme (SCP). The allocations are in addition to the €56m grants for local projects under the programme which were announced last month.
The 2017 round of the Sports Capital Programme closed for applications on the 24th February and by that date a record number of 2,320 applications were received. When the programme was launched, it was envisaged that a total of €30 million would be available to allocate for all projects (local and regional). Following the conclusion of the budget discussions and in order to allow as many worthwhile projects as possible to receive some funding, significant extra resources were secured allowing a total of €60m to allocate.
Minister Ross said:
“To achieve our objective of getting as many people participating in sport as possible and to ensure that our sports stars can compete at the highest level, we need to have the appropriate facilities in place. Today’s announcement of €4m worth of capital grants is another example of my commitment to sport in this regard and brings the total amount allocated in recent weeks to sports projects around the country to almost €60m. In terms of how we decided on the successful projects, the full assessment procedure was published in advance with priority given to projects that will increase participation, facilities that are shared and the level of socio-economic disadvantage in the area of the proposed project. I remain committed to further investment in sports projects and next year my Department will finalise the terms and conditions of a new Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund. The Fund would be for larger sports projects where the proposed Government contribution exceeds the amount available under the Sports Capital Programme. “
Minister Brendan Griffin., highlighted the diversity of projects being funded:- “Today is another good-news day for Irish sport as we confirm a further €4m in funding for projects throughout Ireland. 81 different projects are being offered funding with a huge variety of sports receiving assistance. It is no surprise that the major field sports like gaelic games, soccer, rugby and athletics are all receiving funding but I am also pleased that we are in a position to provide help to sports as varied as table tennis, fencing and martial arts. The health benefits associated with sports participation are well documented and we want people to have every opportunity to get involved. While it was not possible to fund every application for regional projects that we received, I will continue to make the case for increased investment in sports facilities in the years ahead. ”
Full details of all allocations announced today are set out on the Department’s website at: https://www.sportscapitalprogramme.ie/
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