Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Wednesday, 5 December 2018

Select Committee on Transport, Tourism and Sport

Estimates for Public Services 2018
Vote 31 - Transport, Tourism and Sport (Supplementary)

9:30 am

Photo of Shane RossShane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I understand the point the Deputy makes. The funding represents an increase of €250,000 on the level of funding provided in 2018. The money being provided to Paralympics Ireland is to meet a cost overrun from the hosting of the World Para Swimming European Championships at the National Aquatic Centre in August. On 5 April last, Sport Ireland was contacted by Paralympics Ireland with a request for support in delivering these championships. Paralympics Ireland stated that it was experiencing significant financial challenges in the context of hosting the championships in Dublin from 13 August to 19 August. These financial challenges centred on two areas, transport and accommodation, which were mostly due to costs escalating since the bid stage in August 2014. They requested an underwriting agreement to the value of €140,000 from the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport to ensure the financial viability of the event and to eliminate any risk of the event cancellation, the effects of which would be very significant for Paralympics Ireland and the Irish sport sector. It is now anticipated that the drawdown will be close to €100,000. In meeting this request, Sport Ireland noted that Paralympics Ireland would provide an additional €100,000 and the International Paralympic Committee would provide an additional €150,000. With the provision of these additional funding streams, Paralympics Ireland delivered a successful championship. They probably met what was needed at that time. The issue relating to the Irish Open is somewhat different from that relating to golf clubs. I appreciate that the Deputy has an interest in golf clubs.

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