Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I am pleased to advise the House that earlier today I announced a new round of the sports capital programme.

Allocations of €30 million which will benefit sports clubs, community groups, local authorities, schools and national governing bodies of sport will be made in the late autumn or early winter of this year. Applications will be accepted from all areas of the country.

A maximum grant of €300,000 may be applied for by local clubs and groups. National and regional projects may apply for a greater level of funding but these projects must be designated as such by the national governing body of that particular sport.

Online applications and those made in Irish, along with a hard copy of the signed application form and all supporting documentation, must reach the Department's offices in Killarney by 5 p.m. on Friday, 1 June 2012. Paper-based applications and all supporting documentation must reach the Department's offices in Killarney by 5 p.m. on Friday, 11 May 2012.

All applications received by the closing dates will be assessed on the basis of a number of criteria such as the effect the proposed project will have on active participation in sport and the level of socio-economic disadvantage in the area. Application forms and more information can be obtained on the Department's website at www.dttas.ie

See this speech in context