John Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

This morning I welcome the announcement that the sports capital and equipment grant programme will open to applications next Monday, 17 July. The programme has a few new features. The maximum grant available for local projects will increase from €150,000 to €200,000. The maximum grant for regional projects will increase from €300,000 to €500,000 and there are new rules on providing equal access to facilities for men and women which is hugely welcome and long overdue. It is a huge opportunity for sports clubs, community groups and organisations to apply for funding to support projects they have been working on that will improve or build new facilities to enable young people and adults alike to participate in a wide variety of sports and activities. As a former physical education teacher until I was elected to this House in 2020, I fully understand and appreciate the huge work that goes on across communities to give opportunities, especially to young people, to participate in sport and activity and the huge benefits that brings to wider society. That is why the sports capital and equipment grants programme is hugely valuable and important. I wish all the clubs and organisations that will apply all the best with the application process. We had a huge result for my county, County Waterford, in the last round of the programme. I encourage as many organisations as possible to get their applications in by the closing date in September.