Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 June 2024
219. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will bring forward the date of allocations for sports capital funding in order that construction in the summer months can be achieved for clubs awaiting funds. [26817/24]
View answerThe Sports Capital and Equipment Programme (SCEP) is the main channel for government support for developing sports facilities and purchasing sports equipment for sports clubs and organisations. On 9 May 2024, Minister Martin and I announced a record allocation of over €26 million in equipment grants, under the 2023 round of the SCEP.
On 29 May 2024, Minister Martin and I announced that at least €250 million in funding will be made available under the latest round of the SCEP. The funding available represents a 50% increase on the funding allocated in early 2022 under the 2020 round of the SCEP. It should mean positive allocation decisions for all valid applications under the 2023 round of the SCEP.
Work is underway on assessing the capital applications and allocations will be announced by Autumn. Some equipment applications that are intertwined with capital items will also be assessed as part of this process. Given the record number of applications under the 2023 round of the SCEP, it is not possible to confirm allocations any earlier than Autumn 2024 as planned.
