Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 167: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will support a company (details supplied) in Dublin 3 with funding in 2007 in order to develop its community services which are important to the local community. [10873/07]

John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Fianna Fail)
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The information supplied in relation to the organisation in question is limited, but I can state that funding is provided to community organisations by my Department under its sports capital programme. This programme provides funding for sports facilities to sports clubs and organisations, voluntary and community organisations and, in certain circumstances, schools and local authorities. Applications for funding under the programme must be of a capital nature, which, for the purpose of the programme, is defined as: improving or building an asset; or buying non-personal sports equipment that will be used for at least five years.

The programme is advertised on an annual basis. The 2007 round of the sports capital programme was advertised on Sunday, 15 and Monday, 16 October last with a closing date for receipt of applications of 24 November 2006. Officials in the Sports Capital Unit of my Department will give advice to prospective applicants on any aspect of the programme should they wish to submit an application under the 2008 programme which is likely to be announced towards the end of this year. However, I must point out to the Deputy that only sporting applications will be considered for funding under the sports capital programme, that funding is not allocated to commercial enterprises and that that is also not provided for the purchase of sites or premises.