Áine Brady (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)

I thank the Deputy for raising this issue, which I am taking on behalf of my colleague, the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, Deputy Cullen. Given the benefits associated with sporting activities, the Government regards expenditure on sport as important for the social and economic development of the State. These benefits arise in a broad range of areas, including health and well-being, social and cultural development, education, personal development, tourism and the economy. Irish sporting successes lift the spirits of the nation and improve our image on the international stage.

The sports capital programme, which is part funded from the proceeds of the national lottery, is the primary means of granting Government support for the provision of sports facilities at national, regional and local level. It is, however, a common misunderstanding that the proceeds of the lottery come directly to my Department. Rather, they are delivered to the Exchequer. Under the sports capital programme, my Department provides funding to voluntary, sporting and community organisations for the provision of sports and recreational facilities. More than 7,400 projects have benefited from such funding since 1998, bringing the total allocation in that time to more than €725 million. In 2008, more than €50 million was allocated to 685 separate sports facility and equipment projects. The programme has, in the past ten years, transformed the sporting landscape of the State, with improvements in the quality and quantity of sporting facilities in virtually every village, town and city. The facilities funded range from the smallest clubs to national centres of sporting excellence.

The aims and objectives of the programme are to foster an integrated and planned approach to the development of sports and physical recreation facilities throughout the State; to assist voluntary and community organisations to develop high-quality, safe, well-designed, accessible and sustainable facilities in appropriate locations in order to maximise participation in sport and physical recreation; to prioritise the needs of disadvantaged areas in the provision of sports facilities; and to encourage the multi-purpose use of local, regional and national sports facilities by clubs, community organisations and national governing bodies of sport.

The programme has supported the provision or improvement of landmark national and regional stadia such as Thomond Park, home to twice European rugby champions, Munster, and Semple Stadium, the home of hurling for many. Such facilities provide a platform for our most talented athletes to perform, which in turn inspires new generations of young people to aspire to match the sporting prowess of their heroes. They are also an important support to our tourism industry as they draw visitors from Britain, Europe and further afield who come to Ireland to see their teams in action.

All Members are aware of the many benefits that derive from the programme in their localities. They have no doubt witnessed the value of the programme in assisting local clubs in meeting the sporting needs of their areas. In recent years, the programme has targeted clubs in areas of social disadvantage. In this way, the Government is supporting the provision of facilities where there may be little prospect of such facilities being provided by the communities acting alone. These facilities provide an opportunity for participation in sport which leads to healthier lifestyles and a reduced likelihood of younger people drifting into anti-social behaviour.

It is prudent, however, to pause and take stock on occasion, regardless of the merits of any programme. It is essential to review areas of expenditure to determine whether particular schemes represent the optimal use of the resources available. Accordingly, no decision has yet been made about the timing of further rounds of the sports capital programme. My Department is currently finalising a five-year strategic plan to inform the future development of necessary sporting facilities throughout the State. The aim of the strategy is to provide high-level policy direction for future investment and grant assistance at national, regional and local level. It is intended to identify the requirement for sports facilities in order that participation at reasonable cost is feasible for those who wish to engage in sport, at either amateur or elite level. It aims to prioritise areas for future investment and to ensure continued improvements in the relevant areas.

In the interim, it is business as usual for those that were allocated grants under previous rounds of the programme. There is no question of rowing back on allocations already made. The current position remains that €56 million has been provided in my Department's Vote in the 2009 Estimates to cover payments to be made from the Cl subhead, out of which grants are paid for the provision of sports and recreation facilities. While we are in difficult times, we must also recognise that more than 1,000 payments will be made to projects being undertaken this year throughout the State. These projects will allow clubs to drain pitches, erect flood lighting, build changing rooms and sports halls and generally increase the opportunities for people to engage in sports at all levels.

As I have said, no decision has been taken on the timing of the next round of the programme. I am taking this opportunity to ensure sporting facilities are fairly balanced in each region of the State. A national audit of sports facilities is currently being finalised. The results of this audit will inform a more strategic approach over the next five years, as we decide how to use the sports capital programme to continue to benefit all areas. As more than 7,400 projects have been already funded under the programme, it is fair to say it has been a great success. Now we must take a step back and consider the recommendations of the national sports facilities strategy and the results of the audit. We must refocus and ensure we continue to invest our scarce resources as effectively as possible in order to meet the dual objectives of increasing participation and improving performance.

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