John O'Mahony (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 96: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the amount of funding available in 2009 for the sports capital programme under national lottery funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2774/09]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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Under the sports capital programme, which is administered by my Department, funding is allocated towards the provision of sports facilities at national, regional and local levels. It is the primary vehicle for promoting the development of sports and recreational facilities in Ireland. The programme has transformed the sporting landscape of Ireland with improved facilities in virtually every village, town and city. The facilities funded range from new equipment for the smallest clubs, to regional multi-sport centres and national centres of sporting excellence.

It has operated on an annual basis and is part funded from national lottery funds. Over 7,400 projects providing a range of essential sports facilities have benefited from sports capital funding since 1998 bringing the total allocation in that time to over €725 million. In 2008 over €50 million was allocated towards 685 separate sports facility and equipment projects. These grants continue to play a pivotal role in ensuring the provision of modern high-quality facilities around Ireland that attract more people to participate in sporting activities.

In the 2009 Estimates, €56 million has been provided in my Department's vote to cover payments to be made from the C1 subhead out of which grants are paid for the provision of sports and recreation facilities.

John O'Mahony (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Has that €56 million been allocated for new applications in 2009?

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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No.

John O'Mahony (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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This is what I really want to know. Is there any funding for sports capital grant applications during 2009?

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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Not at this stage, no.

John O'Mahony (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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The Minister mentioned in answer to an earlier question that one can do more for less money. I agree that the €725 million allocated up and down the country has been a wonderful encouragement and help to sporting organisations to provide facilities for young people.

While I accept we are all in a tight budgetary situation, there should be some allocation for 2009. Does the Minister agree there is evidence in other countries going through downturns that it is a help to increase funding in such circumstances because the part played by sport helps lift the gloom? While I could accept that there would be a reduction in funding, to think there is no funding at all in 2009 for these sports organisations up and down the country is nothing short of a disgrace.

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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It will be an interesting exercise to see how much of the €56 million that I have allocated will be drawn down this year. As the Deputy will be aware, every €1 the State gives triggers approximately €2 locally. All clubs have loans secured by the banks involved in their applications. There is evidence of clubs having difficulties in being able to underwrite their commitments and I am interested to see what exactly will come in this year. Time will tell on that one.

I agree that the more we can put capital projects, especially small ones, into smaller areas around the country, the more beneficial the effect. There is no question about that.

However, it is time to pause and look strategically at the programme. To be quite honest about it, there have been ten years of constant non-stop investment in facilities all over the country. A more strategic approach is needed to ensure there is a good balance of facilities in all of the regions around the country, and I am engaged in that process at present.

John O'Mahony (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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I assure the Minister that it has been a successful and wonderful scheme and there is no need to slow it down. He stated that some clubs and organisations will not be able to draw down the money because of whatever difficulties they may have. If there is a saving in this regard, will the Minister consider taking new applications? If no funding for 2009 will be available, will the Minister assure the House that funding will be restored in 2010?

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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When I answered the question, I stated that I do not have any funding for 2009 at the moment. Obviously, I am anxious to facilitate investment in as many parts of the country as I can, particularly in sports facilities, but I also see the economic benefit for small areas where better value for money may currently be achieved.

The number of approved projects is substantial, some 635 last year and a further number of projects that have not yet drawn down their funding. They are awaiting their final invoices so that they may draw down funding. I will wait to determine how the situation evolves. If I have given the impression that many of the projects are in serious difficulty, I want to correct myself. However, it is more difficult to put localised funding together than in previous years. I do not want to place the projects under extra stress to deliver in their areas.

John O'Mahony (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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What about 2010?

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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Of course I want to do the sports capital programme.