Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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204. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the extent to which she can facilitate those who have previously been awarded capital sports grants and have not been in a position to complete the projects due to various reasons, if arrangements can be made to ensure they be given an extension of time to meet their requirements; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46057/24]

Thomas Byrne (Meath East, Fianna Fail)
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On 25 September, Minister Martin and I announced €230 million in grants for sports clubs and facilities under phase 2 of the Community Sport Facilities Fund (formerly the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme).

Over a quarter of a billion euro has been allocated to community sports clubs and facilities in 2024, taking account of the earlier equipment-only allocation of €26 million, with a total investment of €256 million. This will facilitate the largest-ever investment in sports facilities in communities across Ireland.

Successful applicants for the Community Sport Facilities Fund (formerly the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme) should proceed with projects as quickly as possible and submit at the earliest possible date all relevant documentation for approval in order that grants can be processed promptly. Organisations are advised that they must have demonstrated a substantial amount of progress on projects by a specified date to facilitate the drawdown of the grant.

Clubs or organisations experiencing difficulties are encouraged to contact the Department, who will show flexibility, where genuine difficulties in progressing projects are encountered.