Hopeful of return of Lottery Funding

Date: 21/09/2010
Posted by: Darragh

HOPEFUL OF A RETURN OF LOTTERY FUNDING FOR SPORTS CLUBS AND COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS

I am hoping that the Lottery funding for sports clubs and community organisations will return.

The Sports Capital Programme is administered by the Department of Tourism, Culture and Sport and is part funded from proceeds of the National Lottery. Funding is provided from the programme to sporting and community organisations at local, regional and national level throughout the country.

Areas like North Dublin, with a growing population, would benefit hugely from further investment in sporting and community activities. As the population grew so quickly over the past number of years, it is vital that facilities are put in place to help to build communities.

I have discussed the need for funding with the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Culture, Mary Hanafin T.D. and I am encouraged by her positive responses. I am confident the Minister recognises the importance of this funding to local communities and I am hopeful that following my discussions a call for applications will be made shortly.

The re-opening of the scheme could allow many organisations across North Dublin to benefit from the programme. At the moment very competitive tenders could be sought for the work and this would ensure best value for money for the taxpayer and strengthen communities with important amenities.

I am hopeful that the Minister is actively considering the re-opening of the scheme and sporting and community organisations across North Dublin will be able to apply for funding for local facilities very soon.