Thomas Byrne (Meath East, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 12, 31, 39, 51, 54, 73 and 75 together.

As the Deputies are aware, the sports capital and equipment programme, SCEP, is the primary vehicle for Government support for the development of sports and recreation facilities and the purchase of non-personal sports equipment throughout the country. Over 13,000 projects have benefited from sports capital funding since 1998, bringing the total allocations in that time to over €1.15 billion. The programme for Government commits to continuing the SCEP and to prioritising investment in disadvantaged areas.

The 2020 round of the SCEP closed for applications in March 2021 and by the deadline 3,106 applications were submitted. Approximately 1,000 of the submitted applications were for equipment-only projects. These applications were assessed first and grants with a total value of €16.6 million were announced in August 2021. The remaining capital applications were then assessed and 1,865 individual grant offers with a total value of over €143.8 million were announced on 11 February 2022.

Unsuccessful applicants were able to appeal the Department's decision and 146 appeals were received. Consequent allocations on foot of successful appeals amounting to €6.14 million. It is always important to look at the avenue for appeal whenever this comes up. The total allocation of €166.6 million is the highest ever. Details of all allocations can be found on the Department's website. The Deputy will know of projects in his own constituency. The priority is to advance the successful applications to the formal approval stage. Much engagement is ongoing and work with the Department.

A full review has been undertaken by the Department of the 2020 round. A draft of the review has now been completed. I have looked at is as has the Minister, Deputy Catherine Martin. We should be in a position to publish this review shortly and recommendations arising from it will be reflected in the next round. Officials are engaging with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform in respect of the next round and I have had discussions with the Minister, Deputy Donohoe. Once this process is concluded, I will announce the exact dates from which new applications will be accepted. The timeframe will depend on the volume of applications. It is a really good scheme, which we all know and love. I am hopeful that the discussions with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform will conclude shortly so that we can get the next round under way.

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