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

I appreciate the Deputy raising this issue. I wish to reiterate the commitment of the Government to investment in sport infrastructure across the country. If we are to achieve our ambitious targets for sports participation, we need to have the necessary facilities.

As regards the responsibilities of my Department, two schemes provide grant assistance for the development of sports infrastructure, including local authority-owned pitches. The sports capital and equipment programme is the primary vehicle for Government support for the improvement of sports facilities. More than 13,000 projects have benefited from sports capital funding since 1998, bringing the total allocations in that time to more than €1.15 billion. The programme for Government commits to continuing the programme and prioritising investment in disadvantaged areas. The 2020 round of the programme closed for applications last year, with a record 3,106 applications having been submitted. The final set of allocations was announced on Tuesday, 31 May. The total funding allocated under that round was over €166.6 million. This represents a record level of allocation, considerably higher than the amount provided under any recent round. The total funding allocated to projects in County Meath alone exceeded €6.8 million.

Although the programme funds a broad range of projects, it should be noted that it does not fund the purchase of land or buildings. All clubs are entitled to apply directly for funding and, in cases where a club does not own a premises, it is still permissible for that club to apply for equipment-only grants or capital grants up to a value of €50,000. I am aware that Stamullen FC was allocated funding for equipment only under the latest round. The programme is also open to applications from local authorities. Such applications may include proposals to develop sports facilities on behalf of local sports clubs. Further detail in this regard can be found on the Department's website.

Funding is also provided by my Department under the large-scale sports infrastructure fund, which is designed for projects where the grant sought is greater than the maximum available under the sports capital programme. It was launched in 2018 and €86.4 million has been allocated to 33 different proposals. There have been many applications in County Meath, including Páirc Tailteann in Navan and linear walkways and playing fields in Dunboyne, that are being led by Meath County Council. We are completing a review of that process.

As regards other assistance that may be of interest, a separate tax relief scheme for donations may be used by any sports club to assist in funding for the acquisition of land or a building, developing sports facilities or repaying a loan for these purposes. More information on this can be found on the website of the Revenue Commissioners.

I assure the Deputy that any future applications under the programme from the club or from Meath County Council on its behalf will receive full consideration, in line with the terms and conditions of the programme. In this regard, my Department has now commenced a full review of all aspects of the 2020 round and any recommendations arising will be reflected in the terms and conditions of the next round.

Obviously, we are open to providing assistance through the funding structures we have. I accept there is a lacuna and a vacuum in Stamullen which the Deputy referenced. It is a fair point. Participation cannot happen without land. I know there have been recent press releases on the issue and articles in the Meath Chronicle have been outlined it in the context of appealing to the local authority. Meath is a proud sporting county that invests in its facilities through the local authority. There is an obligation on the local authority, at least, to work with the club and local community to identify what land could be available, with a view to then availing of the significant funding opportunities that will be available. That is the direct means in terms of land acquisition. Obviously, we try to fund the capital infrastructure, but there is no precedent for us to purchase land.

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