Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 April 2026
671. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport whether funding has been allocated for the development of an athletics track in County Longford; and if not, the reason for same. [30826/26]
View answer672. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if he will provide an update on any applications submitted by Longford County Council or local sports organisations for capital funding under the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme relating to an athletics track. [30827/26]
View answer674. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if consideration will be given to prioritising County Longford in future rounds of sports capital funding to ensure equitable access to athletics facilities for young people. [30829/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 671, 672 and 674 together.
The Community Sport Facilities Fund (CSFF) provides grants to assist in the development or refurbishment of sports facilities and the provision of sports equipment. Grants are available to voluntary, not-for profit sports clubs, community groups, NGBs, and local authorities. Third level colleges, Education and Training Boards (ETBs) and schools may only apply for funding jointly with sports clubs or organisations.
Longford Athletics Club CLG was allocated €300,000 under the 2020 round of the CSFF for upgrade works to the indoor athletics centre of excellence on the grounds at St. Mel’s College, Templemichael. There were no other applications for funding under the 2020 or 2023 rounds for athletics projects in County Longford.
In line with previous rounds of the Fund, a review of the current funding round has been undertaken and will be finalised shortly. I have asked my department to prepare for a 2026 round of the CSFF in the coming months. It is anticipated that the next CSFF round will particularly target areas and sports that have been under-invested in over the years.
My Department is currently collating feedback from sporting clubs and organisations from this most recent round and this is very valuable input to our ongoing preparations for the next round. New guidelines will be published in advance of the next round and these will include the eligibility and likely assessment criteria for that next round.
My aim is to have as many eligible sporting bodies as possible applying, by simplifying the application process and guide and carrying out a wide-reaching communications and engagement campaign.
All registered organisations on my Department's grant management system will be automatically notified when a new round of CSFF is open for applications.
