Sports clubs across Ireland looking to improve their facilities are being advised to act now to get a share of a new €30m pot of cash from the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport.
A massive €30m is being made available under the Sports Capital Programme to develop sports infrastructure around the country. The grants cover a number of infrastructural improvements in sports clubs of all sizes and types across the country including natural and artificial sports pitches, tracks and courts, floodlighting, security fencing, dressing rooms, showers and toilets, sports halls and gyms and non-personal equipment such as lawn mowers and defibrillators.
Online applications can be made from January 23 to February 24 next and sports clubs are being urged to get in early and apply for a share of the grants.
Clubs not previously registered on the Department’s online application system need to do so in advance of January 23 and the simple process of how this can be done can be found on the Department’s Sports Capital Programme website www.sportscapitalprogramme.ie
Independent Councillor John Paul O’ Shea highlighted the importance of the Sports Capital Programme for clubs in North Cork. “The Programme aims to foster an integrated and planned approach to developing sport and recreation facilities and it has transformed the sporting landscape of Ireland with improvements in the quality and quantity of sporting facilities in virtually every village, town and city in the country,” he said.
The application process this year has been simplified and significantly shortened to make it easier for clubs to submit their requests. Clubs who wish to register on the Department’s online system can do so now at www.sportscapitalprogramme.ie.
Once registered, all applications must be made on the same website. The system will be open for applications from January 23. A guide to making an application and a link to YouTube video instructions is also available on the website.
