Sports clubs must register for €40M Fund before 7th February

Cork East Fine Gael TD, David Stanton is urging local sports clubs and organisations to register for the 2014 Sports Capital Programme which opened today, Friday, 17th January, at 12 noon. Bodies must register before Friday, 7th February to be eligible to apply for the fund which totals €40 million.

Deputy Stanton advised that the Sports Capital Programme is the main channel of Government support for developing sports facilities and purchasing sports equipment for sports clubs and organisations across Ireland. Grants are available to sports clubs, voluntary and community groups, national governing bodies of sport and local authorities. Third level colleges, Education and Training Boards and schools may only apply for funding jointly with sports clubs.

“The aims of the Sports Capital Programme are to assist groups and organisations to develop high-quality, safe, well-designed, sustainable facilities with appropriate equipment to help maximise participation in sport and physical recreation. The programme also seeks to prioritise the needs of disadvantaged areas in the provision of sports facilities and to encourage the multi-purpose use of sports facilities by clubs, community organisations and national governing bodies of sport.

“I understand from Minister Ring that more than a thousand organisations have already registered for the new funding round. The 2012 Programme was a very successful but demand greatly outweighed the monies available. That is why I am encouraging all local sports organisations to register online without delay so they have the best possible chance of submitting a good application.

“Applicants should note that registration and applications can only be made online this year. Anyone interested in the programme should go to www.sportscapitalprogramme.ie for further information regarding registration and the application process.

Key dates for applicants to note are:
Open for applications: 12pm, Friday, 17th January
Closed for registration: 5pm, Friday, 7th February
Closed for applications: 5pm, Friday, 28th February