Niall Collins (Limerick County, Fianna Fail)
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812. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will address a matter raised in correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30738/18]

Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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The 2017 round of the Sports Capital Programme (SCP) attracted a record 2,320 applications.  In November and December last, the Minister, Deputy Ross, and I announced allocations to a record 1,800 projects under the 2017 round. A review of the 2017 round of the programme has now been finalised and published on my Department's website (). 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.  Some of these changes require amendments to the Department's online application system and work in this regard has now commenced. 

I have received sanction from the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform for a new round and I expect to make an announcement in relation to the timing and the amount available shortly.  All clubs and organisations registered on the Department's online application system will be notified at that time.  

Under the terms and conditions of the SCP, work which has already commenced (or equipment which has already been purchased) before grants are announced is not eligible for funding. If an application is successful under the SCP, the organisation is given a provisional allocation.  Certain terms and conditions must be met to secure formal approval.  The organisation should not sign any contracts or start any work on the facility until the Department has issued formal approval.  Once formal approval has been secured the organisation can start work and draw down the grant.