Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I agree that the programme thus far has transformed the sporting landscape, with the improvements in the quality and quantity of sporting facilities in virtually every village, town and city. It has funded the smallest clubs in rural areas all the way up to national centres of sporting excellence, and everything in between. Another important element is that many clubs and organisations are now submitting joint applications, such as between clubs and schools. Those applications maximise the use of the investment because the schools use the facilities during the day, while the clubs use them at night. That kind of collaboration across communities provides for even better participation in sport. As the Deputy will know, having been involved in the programme previously, its focus is on overall participation in sport. Increasing female participation in sport is a major part of what we are trying to do in this round of funding, as well as focusing on participation by disadvantaged groups and encouraging the sharing of facilities. I thank him for his remarks.

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