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

I thank the Deputy for raising this important issue. I recently had the pleasure of meeting with representatives from Kevins GAA club, Liberty Saints rugby club and other members of Sporting Liberties, along with my colleague, Senator Ardagh, and other local representatives during a recent visit to Dublin South-Central constituency. I acknowledge the Deputy’s interest today and historically on this issue. I was briefed then on the situation in the area regarding the serious shortage of pitches and green spaces to serve the local community. It was clear from the presentations made by the clubs that they and their volunteers are doing phenomenal work to get young people in the Dublin 8 area involved sport and physical activity. However, their efforts to grow and get more people active and involved in sport are seriously hampered by a lack of access to pitches and spaces to play. Working with all local representatives, I am happy to do all I can to help everybody with this issue.

However, it still should be stated that the possible development of any multisport all-weather pitch at Marrowbone Lane is primarily a matter for Dublin City Council in the first instance. I understand work is ongoing between the council and local representatives to try to address this, as the Deputy referenced.

On improving our sports infrastructure generally, the Government accepts that if we are to get as many people participating in sport as possible, we need to provide proper facilities. In this regard, my Department has two schemes that provide capital assistance for the redevelopment and improvement of sports facilities, including multisport all-weather pitches. The large scale sport infrastructure fund is designed for projects where the grant sought is greater than the maximum available under the sports capital and equipment programme. The first allocations of approximately €86 million to 33 proposals were made in 2020. In relation to projects such as the provision of all-weather pitches, the sports capital equipment programme is a vehicle for Government support for the development of local sports and recreational facilities and the purchase of equipment throughout the country. More than 13,000 projects have benefited to the tune of more than €1 billion. As well as providing grants to sports clubs and governing bodies, the scheme also accepts applications from local authorities. As a Government, we are committed in the programme for Government to continuing this programme of prioritising investment across communities, but particularly in disadvantaged areas. The latest round of applications closed in March 2021 and we received a record of more than 3,000 applications. We announced allocations of more than €160 million, which represented the highest-ever level of allocation made under the sports capital and equipment programme.

As the Deputy will be aware, every valid application in Dublin received a grant offer. In fact, the total funding of projects in Dublin amounted to almost €25.5 million, which demonstrates the level of investment in Dublin. Furthermore, Dublin City Council received a total of more than €1 million towards 14 different projects under this latest round.

On future possible investment, following completion of the full allocation and appeals process, we commenced a full review of all aspects of the previous round. Drafting of this review is at an advanced stage and any recommendations arising will be reflected in the terms and conditions of the next round. Following the completion of the review, I will announce the exact timing of the next round, but it is hoped to have it open for applications early in the new year. Of course, Dublin City Council will again be invited to submit applications under the new round, including any proposal it may have for facilities at Marrowbone Lane.

Before I conclude, Dublin City Council needs to move to address the deficit of facilities in the Dublin 8 and Liberties area that the Deputy referenced. There is an absolute deficit there that requires investment and support. As a Government, we are committed to shaping our investment around where there is a lack of a facilities, particularly in disadvantaged areas. However, obviously, the land allocation is a necessity from local authorities. I would encourage Dublin City Council, with the local councillors and all representatives, to ensure that an application is made in the next round. Such an application will benefit from the structure of the scheme that we have. I agree with the Deputy that the Dublin 8 area needs that investment and that facility and it has waited too long for it.

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