North Cork Fine Gael Councillor John Paul O’ Shea has confirmed that the application process for the Sports Capital Programme is to commence in the near future, and is advising all sports clubs and organisations to prepare for the necessary paperwork in advance of the call for applications.
Cllr. O’ Shea said “My understanding is that a new round of the sports capital programme, worth up to €40m is due to be opened for applications in the very near future. Sports clubs and organisations will be given a number of weeks to complete the application process, but they should start preparing for their application now. Quotations will be needed along with evidence of planning and insurance cover are just a few items that are all needed in this application process so the sooner groups get working on it, the better”.
The Sports Capital Programme aims to foster an integrated and planned approach to developing sports and physical recreation facilities throughout the country. In 2017, a record number of local sporting organisations benefited from grants under the Programme:
· Ballydesmond GAA – €18,000
· Banteer Community Sportsfield – €50,000
· Boherbue Community Sport Centre – €18,000
· Castlemagner GAA – €27,000
· Charleville Boxing Club – €2,000
· Charleville (Rathluirc) GAA Club – €63,000
· Charleville Golf Club – €46,000
· Donoughmore Community Centre – €38,500
· Donoughmore Hurling & Football Club – €13,500
· Dromahane Tennis Club – €5,000
· Dromtariffe GAA Club – €58,000
· Freemount Community Development – €23,000
· Freemount GAA Club – €12,500
· Kanturk AFC – €24,500
· Kanturk Boxing Club – €7,000
· Kanturk GAA Club – €67,500
· Kanturk RFC – €75,000
· Kanturk Tennis Club – €18,000
· Kilbrin Community Council – €16,500
· Kilbrin GAA Club – €59,500
· Knocknagree GAA Club – €10,000
· Liscarroll Handball Club – €68,920
· Lombardstown Tennis Club – €26,000
· Meelin GAA Club – €22,000
· Milford GAA – €22,000
· Rylane Boxing Club – €9,000
The Sports Capital Programme is the primary means of providing Government funding for capital projects to sport and community organisations at local, regional and national level. 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.
Cllr. O’ Shea added “It is advantageous for sports clubs and organisations to get started early. For an application to be successful they must have detailed plans in place and they will also needs some matching funding, and all of this takes time. The Sports Capital Programme represents an excellent value for money investment. It is crucial we invest in sport and the health of our population. Investing in sport is good for the health of the nation.”
