Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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209. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she will outline the specific grants available for a sports club to install a lift and-or stairlift facility to allow members access an upstairs clubhouse facility. [14500/23]

Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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210. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she will outline the energy upgrade and efficiency grants available to sports clubs that incorporate a clubhouse facility; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14503/23]

Thomas Byrne (Meath East, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 209 and 210 together.

In terms of my Department's responsibilities, 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 the needs of disadvantaged areas and groups (such as people with disabilities) in the provision of sports facilities.

More information on the many items funded under the SCEP, which include modifications to sports facilities to improve access for people with disabilities and to reduce energy consumption, can be found in the Guide to Making an Applicationpublished on the Department’s website at the following location:

www.gov.ie/pdf/?file=https://assets.gov.ie/194842/49a7273f-0be9-4106-a40b-412461c5a8d9.pdf#page=null

Under recent rounds of the Programme, many clubs received allocations towards projects featuring sustainable improvements. Measures funded included the installation of LED floodlighting, solar panels and PV panels. Details of all allocations can be found at www.gov.ie/en/collection/471ed5-sports-capital-allocations/

With regard to the timing of the next round, following completion of the appeal process, my Department commenced a full review of all aspects of the 2020 round of the SCEP. The Review is nearing completion and I hope to publish it shortly. Any recommendations arising from the finalised Review will be reflected in the next round. Furthermore, my officials are engaging with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform in relation to the launch of the next cycle of the SCEP. Once this process is concluded, I will announce the exact dates from which new applications will be accepted.