Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
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Question 121: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the position regarding the money granted under the sports capital programme which has not been drawn down; the amount in question; the reasons this money has not been drawn down; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2250/09]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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Under the Sports Capital Programme, which is administered by my Department, funding is allocated to sporting and community organisations at local, regional and national level throughout the country. Since 1998 the Government has allocated over €725m in sports capital funding to over 7,400 sports projects across the country. This investment has transformed the sporting landscape of Ireland and has allowed the development of sports facilities across the length and breath of the country. These facilities have dramatically increased the opportunities for all people to engage in a wide variety of sports. The total level of outstanding commitments on hand for various rounds of the Sports Capital Programme at the end of 2008 was just over €175m.

The Deputy will be aware that payments under the programme are made on compliance by grantees with the conditions for payment outlined in the terms of the Programme. It is the responsibility of the grantee to ensure that these conditions are met in a timely manner to ensure the payment of the grant.