Senator John Cummins encourages clubs to register now for Sports Capital & Equipment Programme
Senator John Cummins today welcomed the announcement that €40 million is being made available in 2021 under a new round of the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme (SCEP) by the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin, T.D, and the Minister of State for Sport and the Gaeltacht, Jack Chambers, T.D.
The SCEP is the Government’s primary vehicle for providing support to sports clubs and communities to develop sports infrastructure around the country. Applications can be made online only from 9am on Friday 11th December until 5pm on Friday 12th February, 2021.
Senator Cummins stated: “If we have seen one thing from the Covid pandemic it is the emphasises on how important sport is to our society. As well as the pleasure and excitement generated by watching our sporting heroes, actively engaging in sport is critical for our physical and mental wellbeing. To that end, I urge all sports clubs and organisations that have projects ready to apply to the Sports Capital fund.”
Announcing the 40million fund Minister Martin said “The Government wants to allow as many people to participate in sport as possible, it is essential to have appropriate sports facilities and equipment available. To assist in this regard, I am delighted that we are making €40 million available for sports clubs and community groups right across the country. Furthermore, it will boost participation in disadvantaged areas and ensure that those in every part of society can enjoy the physical and mental benefits of sport and exercise.”
Senator Cummins concluded by saying “It has been a tough year for many sports clubs, who have not been able to hold their usual fundraising events as a result of the COVID-19 crisis but the new round of this programme now provides an opportunity for clubs to make real improvements to their facilities.” The Government wants to make the applications process as user-friendly as possible so all of the improvements from an applicant’s perspective which were trialed in recent rounds are being retained for this round.
The first step in obtaining a grant is to register on the Department’s online system. Senator Cummins encouraged any clubs which are not already registered to do so now on the Department’s online system at https://www.sportscapitalprogramme.ie. Once registered, all applications must be made on the same website. The system will be open for applications from 11th December to 12th February, 2021.
Any clubs who need assistance with the application process can contact Senator John Cummins by calling his office on 085-1090927.