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

I cannot say that we will do as Deputy Lahart suggests but we will certainly examine the matter. I am willing to look at individual projects with the Deputy. This is a general issue, which is causing a huge problem. The reality is that we gave out the most money we ever gave out, by some multiples, in the latest round. Clubs have done extremely well comparatively from that. We want to ensure the facilities are delivered. The truth is that the drawdowns of funding are along the same lines as before. Clubs are drawing down, but we will wait and see how that progresses. There is a lower co-payment for clubs from disadvantaged areas. That is something we can look at. I take that point.

Sport Ireland is doing an audit of sports facilities at the moment. I hope that audit will be published in June or July. I am not entirely sure when it is due; it is in the hands of Sport Ireland. There is a lot of work going on with local authorities. I hope that audit can spark a discussion about how best to provide sports facilities. My officials have met the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage's officials about it. I will follow up with a meeting with the Minister shortly. When the audit is published, it will inform the debate to a greater extent. I am from east Meath where we are badly stuck for facilities so I know all about it and am willing to work on it with colleagues across the House.

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