Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
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Question 83: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will take the opportunity to launch a review of the sports capital scheme to ensure that it is taking account of the latest research on increasing participation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8511/09]

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 85: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the plans he has to support sports capital projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8413/09]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 83 and 85 together.

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 level. Over 7,400 projects providing a range of essential sports facilities have now benefited from sports capital funding since 1998 bringing the total allocation in that time to over €725 million. In 2008 over €50m was allocated towards 685 separate sports facility and equipment projects. In the 2009 Estimates, €56m has been provided in my Department's vote to cover payments to be made this year from the C-1 sub-head, out of which grants are paid for the provision of sports and recreation facilities. As I announced in the House recently, no decision has been taken about the timing of future rounds of the Programme.

My Department is currently finalising a five-year strategic plan to inform the future development of necessary sporting facilities throughout the country. The aim of the strategy is to provide high-level policy direction for future investment and grant assistance at national, regional and local level. The strategy also identifies the wider economic, health and social case for continued investment in sports facilities. It aims to prioritise areas for future investment and to ensure continued impact on participation in the relevant areas including those in lower socio-economic groups. The National Sports Facilities Strategy will address future sports facility funding and provision and will inform future rounds of the Sports Capital Programme.