Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 341: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if Beaumont, Artane, Santry and Whitehall, Dublin will be granted a public basketball facility; and if he will work with Dublin City Council on this issue. [23748/05]

John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Funding is available from my Department for sports related projects through the national lottery-funded sports capital programme. This programme allocates funding towards the provision of sporting and recreational facilities to sporting and to voluntary and community organisations at local, regional and national level throughout the country. The programme is advertised on an annual basis. No application was received under the 2005 programme from a local authority or from any organisation in the areas listed by the Deputy in respect of a public basketball facility. The deadline for receipt of applications under the 2005 programme was 4 February.

I expect to be in a position to advertise the 2006 sports capital programme later this year. At that time, it will be open to local authorities or any other qualifying group to make an application, should they have a suitable project that meets the guidelines, terms and conditions of the programme. I would like to assure the Deputy that my Department continues to work closely and effectively with Dublin City Council and the other local authorities in respect of the provision of public sports facilities. The Government, through my Department, has provided substantial funding towards the provision of a number of municipal-multi-sport facilities throughout Dublin city and other areas of the country. In this regard, my Department would be pleased to consult with Dublin City Council on any proposals it may wish to bring forward regarding the provision of public basketball facilities in the areas mentioned by the Deputy.

I would also like to inform the Deputy that the Government, through my Department, has allocated a total of €779,000 in sports capital grants since 1999 to Basketball Ireland, the nationalgoverning body for the sport, towards its community hoops programme. This programme aims to install outdoor basketball hoops in parks and playgrounds throughout Ireland with a particular focus on areas of disadvantage. This allowsfor instant and free access to the sport forall members of the community. Furtherinformation on the community hoops programme, including an application form to have hoops installed, is available to interested parties on www.basketballireland.ie.