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

298. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht when she plans to open the next round of sports capital grants; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49906/22]

Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Sports Capital and Equipment Programme (SCEP) 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. Over 13,000 projects have now benefited from sports capital funding since 1998, bringing the total allocations in that time to over €1.15 billion. The Programme for Government commits to continuing the SCEP and to prioritising investment in disadvantaged areas.

The 2020 round of the SCEP closed for applications on Monday 1 March 2021 and by the deadline a record 3,106 applications were submitted.

Approximately one thousand of the submitted applications were for 'equipment-only' projects. These applications were assessed first and grants with a total value of €16.6 million were announced on 6 August, 2021.

The remaining capital applications were then assessed and 1,865 individual grant offers with a total value of over €143.8 million were announced on Friday 11 February 2022.

Unsuccessful applicants were able to appeal the Department's decision. The deadline for submission of capital appeals was Monday 4 April and 146 appeals were received. On foot of that process, consequent allocations amounting to €6.14 million were announced on Tuesday 31 May.

The total allocation of €150 million for capital projects, and €166.6 million for the 2020 round in total, represents the highest level of allocation ever made under the SCEP.

Following completion of the appeal process, my Department commenced a full review of all aspects of the 2020 round of the SCEP. Drafting of the Review is at an advanced stage and any recommendations arising will be reflected in the terms and conditions of the next round. Following the completion of the Review, I will announce the exact timing of the next round but it is hoped to have it open for applications early in the new year.