Fianna Fáil TD for Cavan-Monaghan Brendan Smith has urged the Minister with responsibility for Sport to commence a new round of the Sports Capital Programme (SCP) for local sports clubs who face significant financial challenges in the months ahead due to the public health emergency.
Deputy Smith commented, “I have made it known to the Minister that a new round of Sports Capital funding is required for clubs nationwide and in Cavan-Monaghan. The unprecedented global pandemic has impacted every element of our communities, including sports clubs.
“In reply to my parliamentary question, the Department said, ‘Following the finalisation of the appeals process, a full Review of the 2018 round of the SCP was undertaken. This Review is currently under consideration and includes recommendations for some changes to the terms and conditions of the next round of the SCP. I understand that a final decision is expected shortly and a decision on the timing of a new round of the SCP will be taken after that’.
“The Programme for Government commits to continuing the SCP and will prioritise sports capital investment in areas of historic low levels of participation and deprivation. It is important the review underway is concluded promptly and a new round of the SCP open for applications soon,” concluded Deputy Smith.