The Government has announced over €26m in equipment grants to sporting organisations nationwide. This allocation under the latest round of the Sports Capital and Equipment Programmere represents the largest-ever single tranche of funding for sports equipment under Sports Capital and Equipment Programme.
Further funding for capital works, including those with an equipment component, will be confirmed later in the year with analysis of the applications already underway.
Over 13,000 projects have now benefited from sports capital funding since 1998 bringing the total allocations in that time to over €1.15 billion.
The Programme for Government commits to continuing the SCEP and to prioritising investment in disadvantaged areas and groups that are currently underrepresented in terms of participation.
Examination of the submitted applications demonstrates that the 2023 Programme has again generated a very large number of applications. The total number of 3,210 applications exceeds the record number submitted under the last (2020) round and the total funding applied for is €359 million representing an 80% increase over the amount applied for in the 2020 SCEP.
These numbers are significant and will represent a major cash injection for the sector in terms of providing lasting infrastructure.
This round of funding is separate to the Large Scale Sports Infrastructure fund which is currently open with a closing date of July 1st.
, and Thomas Byrne T.D., Minister of State for Sport, Physical Education and the Gaeltacht, have announced over €26 million in equipment grants under the latest round of the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme (‘SCEP’).
The allocations announced today under the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme are in response to equipment-only applications which sporting organisations submitted. Over 900 sports groups were successful in their applications for various types of equipment which will be of practical benefit to multiple sports organisations, their members and athletes across Ireland.
Further allocations under the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme, including those for capital works, and capital works tied with an equipment component, will be announced later.
Our sporting organisations are at the heart of our communities providing opportunities to people to participate in healthy activities and to enjoy the successes of their local teams and sporting heroes,” said Catherine Martin, Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media.
“I am delighted to confirm the largest ever allocation of grants for equipment under the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme. The significant funding announced today will assist a vast range of sporting organisations around the country and be a great source of support to local teams on and off the field of play.”
“Minister Thomas Byrne and I are committed to providing continued supports to sporting organisations to increase participation in sport in communities across Ireland. I am confident that the revised allocations under the National Development Plan will also allow for significant funding to be allocated for capital works when the necessary assessments of applications are completed.”
“The diversity of organisations which will receive this record level of sports equipment funding illustrates the passion and interest that we have as a nation for sport in all its forms,” added Minister of State for Sport, Thomas Byrne.
“The work done on a voluntary basis throughout the country in sports organisations is invaluable and it is only right that the Government plays its part in facilitating sporting participation and excellence across the country.”
“In an Olympic year it is appropriate that we illustrate the Government’s commitment to sport and participation through strong investment in the facilities and equipment needed.”
“I look forward to confirming further capital funding for the sport sector under the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme.”
Athletics Ireland and the FAI both qualified for the maximum €500,000 funding for different sets of equipment. Gymnastics, Swimming, Rowing, and Squash are among the others to benefit from six figure sums.
Sport for Business will carry more detailed analysis of the winning projects over the coming days.
The Department and Sport Ireland are full members of the Sport for Business Community, as are the vast majority of the National Governing Bodies to benefit from theis round of funding.
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