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

I thank all three Deputies for their remarks. I will respond to Deputy Dillon first. I have close roots in Mayo and the people there have huge pride in supporting the county. It is great to see the level of interest in grassroots participation there. I also agree that we have an excellent team in the Department in Killarney. They are very proactive in engaging with clubs and communities and providing them with assistance. It is great to see the teamwork and collaboration through sport between Deputies O'Connor and Stanton. As I have said previously to Deputy O'Connor, we expect it to be open very early next year. That is as good a signal as possible to clubs that they can plan ahead and work on their next level of ambition. For some clubs, this will mean following through on their existing allocation. Others will want to apply again. Some did not come in on the previous occasion as people have said. It is to give them this opportunity. Deputies O'Connor and Stanton come from a proud sporting community where many people successfully participate in many sports for their county and country.

With regard to land, local authorities need to use their open spaces to partner with clubs and communities. They can apply on behalf of clubs when it comes to specific proposals. We are very flexible in trying to ensure they can do this. The sports capital equipment programme will not become a land purchasing programme because that would totally undermine grassroots investment in facilities and infrastructure.

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