Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent) | Oireachtas source

On top of the commitment and the funding sought, amounting to approximately €220 million, sports organisations have given a commitment to spend up to €145 million of capital to get these projects off the ground. In light of this and the assessed return carried out by the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport and the Department of Finance, will the Minister consider increasing the number of grant approvals from the current projection of €30 million?

It could be increased to €90 million worth of commitments and the net cost to the taxpayer would still be the initial commitment of €30 million. In the light of the potential return and given the potential to untap capital lying in dormant bank accounts, will the Minister consider facilitating this proposal which could result in the creation of approximately 2,000 jobs in communities which are struggling owing to the number of people therein on the live register? I am sure if the work is done by a local person, it will result in an additional benefit to local clubs.

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