Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
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Question 774: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if it is planned to have a new capital sports programme in 2010; the level of funding in the programme that is committed to projects but not drawn from previous announcements; the length of time available to a club to draw down funds once approved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33568/09]

Joe Carey (Clare, Fine Gael)
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Question 779: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his budgetary plans in relation to the national lottery funded sports capital development programme for 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33867/09]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Question 785: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the position regarding the sports capital funding for community groups; if funding will be made available for 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34180/09]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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I intend to answer Questions Nos. 774, 779 and 785 together.

The Sports Capital Programme, which is administered by my Department and part funded from the proceeds of the National Lottery, is the primary vehicle for Government support for the provision of sports facilities and equipment in this country.

No decision has been made on the timing on the next round of the Sports Capital Programme.

The total level of outstanding commitments on hand at the end of 2008 was just over €175m. It is anticipated that outstanding commitments on hand at the end of 2009 will be below €120m.

When provisional allocations are made under the Sports Capital Programme grantees must comply with all the terms and conditions of the Programme and have completed a substantial amount of progress on their project to facilitate the draw down of the grant within 15-18 months. However, the Department adopts a flexible approach and tries to give clubs every opportunity to draw down grants. Where delays are excessive, or the project has ceased, the Department seeks to withdraw allocations.