FIANNA Fáil TD for
Donegal Charlie McConalogue is encouraging sports
clubs, community groups and schools in Inishowen to apply for the
Sports Capital Programme before this Friday’s
deadline. The funding can be used to develop
sports infrastructure.
Interested parties must register on the Online
Sports Capital Register (OSCAR system) at
www.sportscapitalprogramme.ie before 5pm this
Friday October 5th with final applications to be
lodged by 5pm on Friday October 19th 2018.
“The Sports Capital Programme is a vital funding
stream for small clubs and organisations to ensure
that they can upgrade and develop sports
infrastructure. Things like floodlights, artificial
sports pitches, tracks, security fencing,
refurbishment of sports halls and gyms can all be
secured through the programme funding. The grant
also covers other capital projects that will
increase participation in sport or improve
performance”, said Deputy McConalogue.
“Over seventy clubs and organisations in Donegal
received funding under the Sports Capital Programme
last year. This was a larger number than previous
application rounds due to a decision by the
Department of Sport to allocate some level of
funding to all applications that met the basic
criteria. This meant that in many cases the amount
received by organisations was insufficient for them
to be able to make any meaningful progress or
commence their projects.
“A review of the programme has recommended that the
application process returns to the previous
approach. This would see larger grants approved for
successful candidates, allowing them to progress
their projects. However, it remains unclear what
approach will be followed this year.
“The Sports Capital Programme has changed the
landscape for sporting organisations across Donegal
and has increased the number of people taking up
sport. I am encouraging groups to apply for this
funding and to contact my office if they require any
help”, concluded Deputy McConalogue. |
