Clare
Fine Gael Senator Tony Mulcahy says he expects that the
Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport will launch a new round of the
Sports Capital Programme during the coming weeks.
Senator Mulcahy described the Programme as "hugely beneficial" to community organisations and sports clubs seeking to fund capital projects such as pitch or clubhouse developments.
"While the date of the announcement has yet to be decided it is important that clubs and organisations who have not already done so, register with the online Sports Capital Programme management system called OSCAR (Online Sports Capital Register)," he said.
"Registration will enable Clare sports clubs and organisations to make an application when the 2015 Programme opens, view previous grants and payments, change contact details, seek payment of a grant and otherwise communicate online with the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport," he added.
Senator Mulcahy said the Programme will once again feature a strong emphasis on projects which increase active participation in sport, particularly in disadvantaged areas.
“Under this scheme pitches will be drained, floodlights will be installed, sports halls will be improved and dressing rooms will be built”, he said.
The Senator urged groups making applications during the coming weeks to familiarise themselves with the conditions of eligibility, particularly in relation to local funding and planning permission, where applicable.
The Sports Capital Programme aims to foster an integrated and planned approach to developing sports and physical recreation facilities throughout the country. In particular, its objectives are to assist voluntary and community organisations, national governing bodies (NGBs) of sport, local authorities and in some cases VECs and schools to develop high quality, safe, well-designed, sustainable facilities in appropriate locations and to provide appropriate equipment to help maximise participation in sport and physical recreation.
Clare organisations and projects that received funding under the Programme during 2014 include Avenue Utd, Ballina Killaloe Sports & Community Facilities, Bridge Utd, Clarecastle Sports Complex, Corbally Utd, Doolin Boxing, Kildysart GAA, Kilmaley GAA Club, Loughgraney Community Development Association, Park Rangers, Parteen St. Nicholas GAA, Ruan GAA, Shannon Athletic Club, Sixmilebridge GAA, Smith O Brien GAA, St Marys AC, St. Breckans GAA, Tulla United AFC and Whitegate GAA.
