Pat Deering (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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10. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when the next round of the sports capital programme will be opened up for applications. [54254/13]

Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
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48. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when the next round of the sports capital programme will be opened up for applications. [54389/13]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 10 and 48 together.

Departmental officials are currently working on the details of a new round of the Sports Capital Programme. I hope to be in a position to make an announcement shortly. I believe that this will demonstrate this Government's understanding of the value of sport from both an economic and health perspective.  Sports capital funding is essential for the provision of modern fit-for-purpose facilities that provide opportunities for people to participate in sporting activities throughout the country. The 2012 round of the SCP saw a record number of applicants, indicating a continuing high demand for such grants.

A new portal has been developed on the Department's website which must be used by organisations to register, to apply for funding (when the Programme is open for applications) and to manage the drawdown of any new grants allocated after 2013. Any interested organisation should register on .