Kate O'Connell (Dublin Bay South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

65. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the way in which schools can benefit from the sports capital programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25243/18]

Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Sports Capital Programme (SCP) provides grants to assist in the development or refurbishment 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) and schools may also  apply for funding but these applications must be made jointly with sports clubs or organisations.  In this regard, organisations in the education sector must provide the Department with at least one licence agreement entered into with a local sports club or community group as evidence that the proposed facilities will be shared with the wider community. 

A review of the 2017 round of the programme has now been finalised and published on my Department's website(www.dttas.ie). This review highlights aspects of the 2017 round of the SCP that worked well but also suggests some further improvements which are being considered prior to the next round of the programme opening for applications. Amongst the recommendations is the need to increase the awareness of the Sports Capital Programme in the education sector and measures in this regard will be undertaken.  Some of the other changes require amendments to the Department's online application system and work in this regard has now commenced.  Formal sanction was received last week from the Minister from Public Expenditure and Reform to open the new round of the programme. Accordingly, I expect to make an announcement in relation to the timing of the next round in the coming weeks.