With a package of €40 million confirmed for the Sports Capital and Equipment programme for next year, Labour Sports spokesperson Mark Wall has urged clubs and organisations to ensure they are prepared to apply for the scheme which opens on Friday 11th December.
Senator Wall said:
“2020 has been a very difficult year for clubs and sporting organisations across the country, but the confirmation today that up to €40 million will be available in capital grants next year is a welcome boost.
“I would urge any sporting club interested in applying to start work now to ensure they have all their plans in plans and ready to go as soon as possible. Applications can only be made online for this round, and applications will open on Friday 11th December in less than two weeks, and then close on Friday 12th February. Clubs must also be registered on the Department’s system in order to make an application. Further details on how to do that are available here: https://www.sportscapitalprogramme.ie/
“There is also a very useful guide now available at http://www.gov.ie/sportscapital/. It is important for clubs to note that as in previous years the scheme will prioritise applications from disadvantaged areas, those that work towards increasing participation including for female and disabled users, and those which will provide facilities that will be shared with the wider community.”
“Sporting organisations are the backbone of our communities and they have come under severe financial pressure due to the impact of Covid-19 so these grants are an important signal to clubs that there is a future. Sport is also critically important for the mental and physical wellbeing of participants and spectators, and with a vaccine for Covid-19 on the horizon we can all be hopeful that 2021 will bring some eventual return to normality.
“Clubs should be aware of what can be funded under the Capital Scheme. Eligible projects include natural grass and artificial pitches, tracks and courts; energy efficient floodlighting; security fencing and nets; building and refurbishing of halls and gyms and other capital projects that are sporting in nature and will increase participation in sport and improve performance. A full list is available at the application site.
The Sports Capital and Equipment Programme is the State’s primary vehicle for supporting the development of sports facilities and the purchase of non-personal sports equipment.
The programme funds:
- Natural grass sports pitches, tracks and courts (including pitch drainage)
- Energy Efficient Floodlighting
- Artificial sports pitches, tracks, courts and multi-use games areas
- Security fencing, ball stop netting and goal posts
- Hurling walls / handball alleys
- Building or refurbishment of dressing rooms, showers and toilets
- Building or refurbishment of sports halls and gyms
- Non-personal sports equipment
- Limited Covid related works/equipment
- Modifications to sports facilities to reduce energy consumption
- Any other capital projects that are clearly sporting in nature and that will increase participation in sport or improve performance
- Further information about the programme can be found at https://www.gov.ie/sportscapital