The application process for the Sports Energy Support Scheme has been re-opened with Swimming Pools included in the venues which can apply.
The purpose of the €35 million fund, which was secured as part of Budget 2023, is to support sports clubs and organisations with the increased energy costs associated with the provision of sport.
Clubs, organisations and facility providers who received funding under Phases I and II of the Scheme, for the period up to 31 May, are now eligible to apply for funding of their increased energy costs for June and July 2023.
In addition, publicly accessible commercial and non-community owned Swimming Pools, will be eligible to apply for funding under Phase III.
“To date, under Phases I and II of the Scheme, Sport Ireland has allocated €23.5 million in total, supporting over 1,900 clubs, community-led sports facilities, national facilities and major stadiums, to help alleviate financial pressure as a result of increased energy costs,” said Minister Catherine Martin.
“Those increased costs still remain and, for this reason, Minister Byrne and I are reopening the application process and extending the eligibility period to the end of July. The Government remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting grassroots clubs and community facilities in the provision of opportunities for people to take part in sport and exercise.”
“I am particularly pleased to be able to extend the Sports Energy Support Scheme to allow publicly accessible Swimming Pools to apply for funding,” added Minister of State Thomas Byrne.
“Swimming is our second most popular sporting activity in terms of participation rates and this funding will ensure that commercial and non-community owned facilities can continue to provide swimming lessons and swimming times to schools, clubs, and the general public. I urge all eligible sports organisations, clubs and facility providers to engage with your respective National Governing Body or Local Sports Partnership to ensure that you avail of your full entitlements under Phase III of the scheme.”
”The recognition of government around the high energy costs of operating and maintaining swimming pools is very welcome,” said Karl Dunne, CEO of Ireland Active.
“I’d like to thank Minister Martin, Minister Byrne, the Department of Sport and Sport Ireland for the work they have done with Ireland Active to ensure the inclusion of swimming pools in phase 3 of the Sports Energy Support Scheme. This funding will provide much-needed support for swimming pool operators who have been disproportionately hit with continued rising energy costs., I look forward to continuing our work with the Department and Sport Ireland to administer the funding package.”
“The extension of the Sports Energy Support Scheme demonstrates the Government’s ongoing commitment to supporting our sports clubs and facilities across the country,” concluded Dr Una May, CEO of Sport Ireland.
“To date over €20 million in Government funding has been distributed under the Scheme. This funding has significantly supported the impact of increased energy costs on sports clubs and organisations and allowed them to focus on their primary goal of increasing access to sport and physical activity.”
The closing date for applications to the Sports Energy Support Scheme is 25th October 2023.
Depending on the level of submissions, the outcome of those deliberations will be communicated to NGBs and LSPs in December 2023, with the distribution of funding commencing shortly afterwards.
