Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)

My Department has received more than 2,150 applications for funding under the 2012 sports capital programme. A county-by-county breakdown of the applications received and the amounts of funding sought will be circulated with the Official Report. These figures are subject to minor amendment as assessments are undertaken.

Departmental officials have started processing all applications received. This process will take some time, due to the volume of applications and the detailed information contained in each one. As a result, I do not expect to be in a position to announce the list of successful applicants before the late autumn or early winter 2012. It is not possible at this stage to estimate the number of applications expected to be successful. I intend to use the media and the Department's website to announce grant allocations and will write to individual applicants confirming the outcome of their applications.

Additional information not given on floor of the House.

See this speech in context