SPORTS clubs in Donegal are being encouraged to prepare funding applications for the new Sports Capital Programme, which has been confirmed today.
Fine Gael Minister of State Joe McHugh has confirmed that €30 million is available to develop sports infrastructure around the country – and has encouraged Donegal clubs and sports organisations to register online now.
“My Fine Gael colleague, the Minister for Sport Patrick O’Donovan, has confirmed to me that €30 million is going to be made available to develop sports infrastructure around the country under the Sports Capital Programme in 2017,” Minister McHugh said.
“I want to see Donegal clubs and organisations benefit as much as possible from this funding and so I encourage all involved to prepare the necessary paperwork for their applications in advance.”
Donegal clubs and sports organisations looking to apply should register now at www.sportscapitalprogramme.ie Online applications will then be accepted from the 23rd January to the 24th February, 2017.
Minister McHugh said: “I welcome Minister O’Donovan’s move to simplify the application process this year.
“The application form has been significantly shortened, and the Department of Sport has published a helpful 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.”
Under the programme funding is available for a wide-range of projects, including: 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.
Clubs are reminded 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
Minister McHugh said: “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, over €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.”
