Thomas Pringle (Donegal, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

285. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will consider making funding available outside the capital grant system for the development of athletics clubs across the country (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12232/17]

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Sports Capital Programme is the Government's primary vehicle for supporting the development of sports facilities and the purchase of non-personal sports equipment. The 2017 round of the Programme closed for applications on 24 February. 2320 applications were received and will be assessed over the coming months.

Outside of the Sports Capital Programme, it is possible for sporting organisations to raise funds via the "Tax Relief for Donations to Certain Sports Bodies" scheme (section 847A of the Taxes Consolidation Act, 1997). This is a Revenue operated scheme which offers tax benefits to individuals or companies who make donations to sports clubs. Further details on this scheme and how it operates can be found on the Revenue website at www.revenue.ie.

In relation to non-capital funding, Sport Ireland is the statutory body with responsibility for the promotion, development and co-ordination of sport, including the allocation of current expenditure funding to sports bodies. It does not provide direct funding for clubs or individuals but channels the funding through the relevant National Governing Body of Sport, in this case Athletics Ireland. Accordingly, any particular athletics club may wish to contact Athletics Ireland to see if they can assist in any way in relation to the matter raised by the Deputy.

I have referred the Deputy's question to Sport Ireland for any further relevant information they may wish to provide to the Deputy.