Sports Capital Grant Scheme 2018 Opens September 7th

The 2018 Sports Capital Programme Opens on Friday 7th September 2018

The 2018 Sports Capital Programme will open for applications from 9am on Friday 7th September 2018

Thursday 30 August 2018

The Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Shane Ross T.D. and the Minister of State for Tourism and Sport, Brendan Griffin T.D., today announced that €40 million is being made available under a new round of the Sports Capital Programme (SCP). The SCP is the Government’s primary vehicle for providing support to sports clubs and communities to develop sports infrastructure around the country. Applications can only be made online from 9am on Friday 7th September until 5pm on Friday 19th October, 2018.

Press Release

Cork Athletics Clubs and Divisions

Cork Athletics clubs and Divisions are advised to examine the scheme and consider making an application. Previously, clubs effectively needed to have their own grounds and/or facilities, however changes to the scheme now mean that clubs can join with other, non-athletics clubs, and/or schools to make joint applications.

Many clubs now have their own grounds and/or facilities, or are in the process of acquiring them, so the revised scheme opens up many possibilities, including joint ventures with other sports and also schools.

While it remains to be seen how things will pan out, the revised scheme could possibly be "a game changer" for athletics clubs, consequently it would be unwise to ignore the Grant Scheme - you don't get what you don't ask for! - "A silent priest never won a parish"

This is an opportunity that clubs should grasp, if at all possible.

Sports Capital Programme 2018 - €40M for Improved Sports Facilities

Recently announced changes to the Sports capital Program mean that many clubs will now be able to avail of the scheme. All clubs are urged to study the scheme and see if they can leverage their existing or proposed facilities with other suitable clubs, whether athletics or not. Alternatively clubs may now make joint applications with local schools.

"greater priority to applications from disadvantaged areas and projects that promote the sharing of sports facilities with other clubs and the wider community"

Minister Shane Ross: “I’m delighted that this year, following an agreement by both my own Department and the Department of Tourism, Transport and Sport, that all schools may now be able to avail of the Sports Capital Grant Scheme as long as they do so in conjunction with a sports club. This is a great opportunity and I encourage all interested schools to apply.”

Clubs can register on the Department’s online system at www.sportscapitalprogramme.ie Once registered, all applications must be made on the same website. Applications will open from 9am on Friday 7th September and close at 5pm on Friday 19th October, 2018.

The Sports Capital Programme is the Government’s primary support for the development of sports facilities, and the purchase of non-personal sports equipment.

The programme funds:

Natural grass sports pitches, tracks and courts (including pitch drainage)
Floodlighting
Artificial sports pitches, tracks, courts and multi-use games areas
Security fencing, ball stop netting and goal posts
Hurling walls / handball alleys
Building or refurbishment of dressing rooms, showers and toilets
Building or refurbishment of sports halls and gyms
Non-personal equipment including lawn mowers and defibrillators.
Any other capital projects that are clearly sporting in nature, and that will increase participation in sport, or improve performance