Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 32: To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which he has had discussions with the various sporting organisations with a view to addressing any issues arising from the current economic situation; the degree to which debt has affected the industry; the extent to which he anticipates sporting and recreational facilities to remain readily available, accessible and affordable and to provide an important service in the current climate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26620/11]

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I am acutely aware that sporting organisations, like many other organisations, are facing very difficult financial challenges in the present economic climate. I have of course met with sporting organisations and have visited clubs and I fully understand the difficulties that they face. I wish to express my deep admiration and appreciation for the continuing efforts of all those in the sports sector who continue to do marvellous work in providing sporting opportunities to their communities, despite these financial challenges.

However, my Department does not have any current funding available to it to assist organisations who have accumulated large debts or who are finding it difficult to maintain their existing level of activities. I would point out that the Sports Capital Programme has transformed the sporting landscape of Ireland with improved facilities in virtually every village, town and city around the country. The facilities funded range from new equipment for the smallest clubs, to regional multi-sport centres and national centres of sporting excellence.

Almost 7,500 SCP allocations have been made since 1998 bringing the total allocation in that time to over €743 million. These grants continue to play a pivotal role in ensuring the provision of modern, high quality facilities around Ireland that attract more people to participate in sporting activities. SCP grantees must give a written guarantee that facilities will be maintained in sporting use for at least 15 years. In the case of large grants this guarantee is in the form of a charge on the property where the facility is located. This guarantee is 5 years in the case of sports equipment.