Local project maximum grant increased from €150,000 to €200,000
Regional project maximum grant increased from €300,000 to €500,000
Specific focus on climate action, sustainability and gender equality
Waterford Fine Gael Senator John Cummins has welcomed this mornings news (12th July 2023), that the latest round of the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme 2023 will open for applications from Monday 19th July.
Speaking in Seanad Eireann, Senator Cummins outlined a number of the new features of this years programme “The maximum grant available for local projects will increase from €150,000 to €200,000, the maximum grant for regional projects will increase from €300,000 to €500,000 and new rules are being introduced to provide equal access to facilities for both women and men which is a positive move and one which is long overdue”.
Senator Cummins went on to say “The opening of the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme is a huge opportunity for sports clubs, community groups and organisations to apply for funding to support projects which will improve and indeed build new facilities which will enable more young people and adults alike to participate in a whole range of sports and activities”.
The first step in obtaining a grant is to register on the Department’s online system and the Ministers encouraged any clubs that are not already registered to do so now. Clubs can register at www.sportscapitalprogramme.ie. Once registered, all applications must be made on the same website. The system will be open for applications from 17 July to 8 September.
The “Guide to Making an Application”, also published on the Department’s website can be found on gov.ie/sportscapital. The Guide essentially sets out the terms and conditions of the Programme. A review of the 2020 round of the Programme was published in May and all of the main recommendations have been included in the Guide.
In concluding his remarks Senator Cummins said “As someone who was a Physical Education teacher until my election to Seanad Eireann, I know firsthand the positive impact which sport and activity has on young people in particular. I want to commend the fantastic work which goes on at a local level in communities right across the country to foster a love of sport and activity which has such a positive impact on wider society”.
“We had a fantastic result in Waterford in the last round of the sports capital and equipment programme with over €5 million being allocated to more than 90 clubs across the city and county. I want to encourage as many clubs and organisations to get their applications in before the 8th September and if any club would like any help or assistance, please don’t hesitate in contacting my office in Waterford City and Dungarvan.