Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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646. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of a sports capital grant (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7035/19]

Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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The Sports Capital Programme (SCP) is the primary vehicle for Government support for the development of sports and physical recreation facilities and the purchase of non-personal sports equipment throughout the country.

Given the substantial investments made under the programme, it is a requirement that where grants or cumulative grants reach a certain threshold, the State's investment is protected by way of deeds of covenant and charge against the grantee's property. This provides the Department with a guarantee that grant aided facilities will continue to be used for sporting purposes. The Office of the Chief State Solicitor acts on behalf of the Department to ensure that all legal requirements are completed.

In order for the Department to issue formal approval and allow for the subsequent payment to the club referred to by the Deputy, the Chief State Solicitor's Office must confirm that the legal formalities are complete. I understand the Chief State Solicitor's Office have been in communication with the Club's solicitor in order to get all outstanding matters resolved. Furthermore, officials from the Sports Capital Division in my Department have also been in direct contact with the club to give guidance as to aspects of the grants process they have to complete in order to progress the application.

Once my Department receives confirmation that the legal formalities have been complete, there will be no undue delay in paying the grant subject to the other terms and conditions of the SCP being adhered to.