Eoghan Murphy (Dublin Bay South, Fine Gael)
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75. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if funding for outdoor sports amenities will be significantly increased in view of the importance of such facilities during and after the Covid-19 pandemic. [22730/20]

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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The Sports Capital Programme (SCP) is the primary vehicle for Government support for the development of sports and recreation facilities and the purchase of non-personal sports equipment throughout the country. The Programme for Government commits to continuing the SCP and to prioritise the investment in disadvantaged areas.

The most recent (2018) round of the SCP attracted a record 2,337 applications. Allocations were announced in January, May and November of last year with a total of over €56 million awarded to 1,648 different projects. All unsuccessful applicants were given the opportunity to appeal the Department’s decision. In relation to the capital grants announced in November, a total of 122 appeals were submitted by the December deadline. The review of these appeals was completed in April with 6 new allocations approved. The priority in the short to medium term is to advance all of these projects to ensure the facilities are available for use and that the relevant grants are drawn down.

In relation to future grants, following the finalisation of the appeals process, a full Review of the 2018 round of the SCP was undertaken. This Review is currently being finalised and it is expected that a new round of the programme will be open for applications before the end of the year.