Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for raising this issue. I know Deputy O'Keeffe has submitted practically the same question. Deputies will be aware that the sports capital programme is the Government's primary vehicle to support the development of sports facilities and the purchase of sports equipment. They will also be aware that there was no round of the sports capital programme in 2009, 2010 or 2011. There were, however, rounds of the programme in 2012, 2014 and 2015. Almost 1,600 applications were received under the 2015 round of the programme, evidence of its ongoing importance. No decision has been taken on the timing of the next rounds of the sports capital programme. Work is, however, ongoing on simplifying the online process to make it easier for applicants.

I know that there has been something of a mini-hysteria about this recently. I point to the fact that in the programme for a partnership Government there is a commitment for an annualised sports capital programme, and the Minister, Deputy Ross, and I are committed to the content of the programme for Government in that context. I met recently with officials from the Department in Killarney in this regard, and the Minister, Deputy Ross, and I are actively pursuing this issue. As soon as a decision is made on the 2016 programme, which I hope will be soon, I will be in communication with Deputies.

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