Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Sports infrastructure in this country has been transformed in the past generation and bears no resemblance to what it was 30 or 40 years ago. It is incrementally improving at a significant rate but there are significant gaps across different sports. Due to the success we are seeing in participation at underage level but also in lifelong participation and equality of representation, there is pressure on facilities in almost all existing clubs. In the next sports capital round, which we intend launching next spring, the objective will be to try to make sure advance consideration is given to where the gaps are most acute. We will also have to continue to support as many clubs as possible that are under pressure regarding their existing facilities. The Deputy has been advocating for Arklow in particular, where there may be gaps. We will consider and review the criteria in advance of launching the new round.