Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)

The Deputy has raised that matter before and I reassure the House that there are €77 million worth of projects outstanding. There were more but we have written to give all the organisations and clubs every opportunity to try to draw down funding. We have not pressurised them but have given them that opportunity. Many projects are ready to go but, as the Deputy knows, there are a lot of problems, including planning, matching funds and legal problems over property. I am giving a guarantee, however, that the Government is committed to the sum of €77 million for projects that are ready to go. I compliment my officials in Killarney who are working closely with sporting organisations that have funding to draw down. They will work with them to assist in any way that is possible. That money is there for them when they are ready to draw it down. We will not pressurise them but the time will come when, if we are seeking a new round, we will have to clarify what is happening with the old round. It is important therefore that clubs which can draw down the money will do so as quickly as possible.

See this speech in context