Michael Cahill (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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219. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht to urgently review a sports capital grant in respect of a club in County Kerry (details supplied) and take into consideration the very significant increase in costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22155/25]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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The Community Sports Facilities Fund (CSFF), previously the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme 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 CSFF and to prioritising investment in disadvantaged areas. In terms of funding available for the development of sporting facilities, I fully recognise the increasing pressures that our sporting organisations are under. Over a quarter of a billion euro was allocated to 3,048 community sports clubs and facilities in 2024 from the CSFF, representing the largest-ever investment in sports facilities in communities across Ireland.The club in question was awarded €145,343 having sought the maximum funding of €200,000. All available funding from the 2023 round of funding has been allocated.

The club has the option of applying for further funding towards the same project in the next round of funding. There is no prohibition on applying for funding for the same project under the CSFF, provided work has not already commenced at the time of application. The Department will however reduce the Maximum Valid Grant value, which is currently €200,000, by the grant amount(s) previously allocated to the project.

In line with previous rounds of the programme, a review of the current funding round will be undertaken and that review will inform the timing of the next round of the CSFF. However, I would anticipate that the next round should be announced in 2026.