Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 14, 18, 32, 41, 44 to 46, inclusive, and 49 together.

I welcome the decision to provide funding for a new round of the sports capital programme, SCP. It demonstrates this Government's understanding of the value of sport from both an economic and health perspective. Sports capital funding is essential for the provision of modern fit-for-purpose facilities that provide opportunities for people to participate in sporting activities across the country. The 2012 round of the SCP saw a record number of applicants, indicating a continuing high demand for such grants.

Departmental officials are working on the details of the new programme, including any changes to the terms and conditions. I hope to be in a position to make an announcement before the end of the year.

My Department has developed a new portal on the Department's website which must be used by organisations to register, to apply for funding, when the programme is open for applications, and to manage the drawdown of any new grants allocated after 2013. The portal also has a growing knowledge base of information on all aspects of the SCP. Any interested organisation should register on www.sportscapitalprogramme.ie.

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