Jim Daly (Cork South West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Ba mhaith liom buíochas a ghabháil leis an Cheann Comhairle as ucht an deis seo a thabhairt dom. I appreciate the opportunity to raise this important issue. When I checked Facebook this morning, I saw that my wife had posted a photograph of my eldest son, Daniel, on his last day of primary school. This gave me pause for thought as I considered how quickly our children grow up. It is frightening that they do not stay young for very long.

The two Ministers present, the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Shane Ross, and the Minister of State at his Department, Deputy Patrick O'Donovan, have responsibility for the issue I raise. We must be cognisant of how quickly young people grow up and the importance of providing facilities for them in a timely fashion. I was bitterly disappointed to hear the Minister confirm at a select committee meeting yesterday on the Estimates for his Department that no allocation would be made for sports capital grants in 2016. This is a source of great disappointment.

A large number of clubs do great work for young people and adults give up their time to engage in various activities in a voluntary capacity. They include boxing, rowing, surfing, football, soccer and hurling clubs. The volunteers are not paid and do not receive any reward. The Government should do its bit by helping these voluntary organisations that contribute so much to society and the well-being of children and adults. I had hoped that, as the economy improved, the Government would show a commitment to voluntary organisations and demonstrate that they are valued by giving them a dig-out in 2016. As I stated, young people grow up fast and every year that funding is not provided represents a missed opportunity to invest in our future and young people.

The amounts of money provided under the sports capital programme are sometimes tiny but €5,000 or €9,000 can make a serious difference. Some clubs will receive grants of €100,000 or €200,000, which will transform the facilities they provide for young people. Last year, many clubs missed out on grants on the basis of minor technicalities. These clubs are eagerly awaiting an opportunity to improve their facilities and are getting all their ducks in a row to enable them to reapply for funding this year. They will be bitterly disappointed to learn that there will be no funding stream for sports capital grants in 2016.

I appeal to the Minister and Minister of State to prioritise this issue. I previously called for investment in trails and walkways. I had hoped 2016 would be the year in which major capital investment would be provided for facilities that allow people to lead more active and meaningful lives, engage more in their communities, develop a sense of camaraderie and become healthier in the process. I ask that the Department step up to the mark and ensure funding is provided for the sports capital programme this year.

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