Clare Fine Gael TD Joe Carey is encouraging local clubs to prepare their applications for a share of the €30 million Government allocation to develop sports infrastructure around the country.
“I want to see Clare clubs and organisations benefit as much as possible from this funding and so I am encouraging them to prepare the necessary paperwork for their applications in advance. They should register now at www.sportscapitalprogramme.ie with online applications accepted from January 23 to February 24,” Deputy Carey advised.
“The application form has been significantly shortened, and the Department of Sport has published a helpful guide to the application process on their Sports Capital Programme website www.sportscapitalprogramme.ie. There will also be series of regional workshops in the New Year to assist applicants.
“The Sports Capital Programme was re-instated by the last Fine Gael government in 2012, after it had been cut by Fianna Fáil in the wake of the economic crash. It represents excellent value for money because Investing in sport is good for the health of the nation, both literally and economically.
“The Programme funds: natural grass sports pitches, tracks and courts (including pitch drainage); floodlighting; artificial sports pitches, tracks, courts and multi-use games areas; security fencing, ball stop netting and goal posts; hurling walls and handball alleys; building or refurbishment of dressing rooms, showers and toilets; building or refurbishment of sports halls and gyms; and non-personal equipment including lawn mowers and defibrillators.
“Applicants should note that anything set in the ground (such as goal posts) is not considered equipment. The grant also covers other capital projects that are clearly sporting in nature and that will increase participation in sport or improve performance.
“Fine Gael in Government is using our economic progress to invest in communities around the country and ensure that everyone can benefit. Sport is just one important element of this. So far this year, more than €22.8 million has been paid out to 680 organisations to support the development of sports facilities and the purchase of sports equipment through the excellent Sports Capital Programme,” Deputy Carey explained
