Calls for increased Sports Capital and Equipment Grant funding

Calls have been made for increased investment for the Sports Capital & Equipment grant, as West Waterford Councillor, John Pratt claims that the government ‘need to bridge the gap from a proposed €40m, to the over €200m sought’.

“This is a vital segment of funding which will change the lives of all players, volunteers and participants. In a year like no other for our sports clubs and societies, this funding is more important than ever and will be a welcome boost to morale. The Department must now seek to inform applicants of the status of their application in the quickest possible time,” Cllr Pratt said.

The councillor has welcomed the record number of applicants for the Sports Capital & Equipment Programme 2020.

With over €200m sought by applicants throughout the country, Cllr Pratt has highlighted the urgent need for the Department to invest more than the €40m pledged to the grant for this year and backed the call from Labour for a National Sports Facility survey to take a strategic approach at updating facilities in clubs, schools and local authorities across the country.

“What is clear is that the level of demand is way more than the amount of funding available. This will mean some clubs will lose out or not be able to implement the plans they had hoped.

“That’s why we’re calling on the Minister to increase the proposed funding available of €40m. Now is the time to invest in sports in this country, and we need to be as ambitious for clubs as they are. If the Government are serious about achieving the aims of Project Ireland 2040, they must invest now,” Cllr Pratt added.

He went on to note that while clubhouses throughout the country are closed, there is an opportunity for Government to take stock of where sports facilities are at throughout the country and said that a National Sports Facility survey could identify facilities that need upgrading and address the issue.

“We look forward to seeing the first set of allocations announced before the summer, and priority must be given to sporting organisations in disadvantaged areas, those that work towards increasing participation, including for females and disabled users, and those which will provide facilities that will be shared with the wider community.

“Sport is critically important for the mental health and physical wellbeing of participants and spectators. I urge the Department to make all funding available as soon as is possible to lift communities throughout the country at this difficult time for everyone,” he added.