Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Independent)
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575. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport in relation to the recent sports capital grants allocations if applicants were refused based on being a private members club; if so the criteria for being a private members club; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44378/14]

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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The Sports Capital Programme (SCP) provides grants to assist in the development of sports facilities and the provision of sports equipment. Grants are available to sports clubs, voluntary and community groups, national governing bodies of sport and local authorities.  Third level colleges, Education and Training Boards (ETBs – formerly VECs) and schools may only apply for funding jointly with sports clubs. 

The Programme does not fund private and/or commercial organisations.  In 2014, 11 organisations were deemed invalid on this basis.

The Department takes great care in assessing all applications received.  Factors considered in assessing whether applicants are private and/or commercial organisations include prohibitive membership rules and/or fees, whether the facility is available to non-members, usage charges for such non-members, and strategies to encourage disadvantaged groups and individuals to use the facility.