Shannon Senator Tony Mulcahy has urged local sports and voluntary organisations in the Shannon area to apply for funding under the newly restored Sports Capital Programme.
The Fine Gael Senator said the Programme was hugely beneficial to sporting organisations throughout Sixmilebridge, Newmarket-on-Fergus and Shannon prior to being ceased in 2009.
The restored €30M Programme offers valuable financial assistance to organisations that are considering undertaking various developments and improvement works.
According to Senator Mulcahy: “Between 1998 and 2008, the Programme was the primary vehicle for promoting the development of sports and recreational facilities throughout Ireland. Locally, the scheme helped to transform the sporting landscape of Clare with improved facilities in virtually every village and town. The facilities funded range from new equipment for the smallest clubs to large sports and amenity facilities.”
“In the ten years leading up to the Programme being ceased, in excess of one million euro was allocated to clubs and organisations in the greater Shannon area. Local clubs in receipt of grant aid included Newmarket Celtic Football Club, Shannon Handball Club, Newmarket-on-Fergus GAA, Newtown Football Club and St. Senan’s RFC, Wolfe Tones Camogie Club, Sixmilebridge GAA Club, Park Rangers AFC and Wolfe Tones na Sionna C.L.G”, he added.
Senator Mulcahy noted that the scheme is open to far more clubs and groups than ever before, because a strict requirement on landownership has been relaxed. In the past, all applicants had to own their land or have it on a long lease. The Government has confirmed that these clubs will now be able to apply for grants of up to €25,000 to upgrade facilities.
Senator Mulcahy said that the newly restored Programme would also 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 to familiarise themselves with the conditions of eligibility, particularly in relation to local funding and planning permission, where applicable.
Application forms and information about how to apply is available on the website: www.sportscapitalprogramme.ie. Paper based applications (and all supporting documentation) must reach the Department by 5pm on Friday 11th May 2012. The deadline for applications made online must reach the Department of Tourism, Culture and Sport by 5pm on Friday 1st June 2012.
