€30 million funding programme opens 23 January 2017

Fine Gael TD for Cork East and Minister of State at the Department of Justice, David Stanton has confirmed that €30 million will be available under the Sports Capital Programme next year. Funding will be allocated to successful clubs and sporting organisations to develop sports infrastructure around the country,

“My colleague, the Minister for Sport Patrick O’Donovan TD, has confirmed to me that €30 million is going to be made available to under the Sports Capital Programme in 2017. To be eligible to apply for funding clubs and sports groups must first be registered. This can be done at www.sportscapitalprogramme.ie

“A lot of sports groups and clubs in East and North Cork have benefitted from previous rounds of funding and I would like to see this success continue. I would urge as many local clubs and organisations to register and assemble the necessary paperwork for their applications in advance. I understand that online application will be accepted from 23rd January to 24th February 2017”, said Minister Stanton.

“The year the application process will also be simplified. The application form has been shortened, and the Department of Sport has published a guide to the application process on their dedicated Sports Capital Programme website www.sportscapitalprogramme.ie. There will also be series of regional workshops in the New Year to assist applicants, which is really welcome.

“The Sports Capital Programme was re-instated by the last Fine Gael government in 2012 in recognition of the importance of investing in community sports facilities. This year alone, €22.8 million has been paid out to 680 organisations through the Sports Capital Programme.”

“Funding is allocated for the development of sports facilities and the purchase of sports equipment in particular the development of sports pitches, tracks and courts; floodlighting; drainage; multi-use games areas; security fencing, building or refurbishment of halls, gyms, dressing rooms, showers and toilets; and non-personal equipment including lawn mowers and defibrillators. It also covers other capital projects that will increase participation in sport or improve performance.