Cyber attack delays sports grants for Kilkenny but clubs told 'don't panic!'
Access to a government grant system for local sports facilities has been delayed for Kilkenny groups because of a cyber attack - but one local TD says there’s no cause for panic!
Fianna Fáil TD for Carlow Kilkenny, Peter ‘Chap’ Cleere has highlighted that the opening of the Community Sports Facilities Fund for applications has been slightly delayed due to a cyber-attack on the system.
Deputy Cleere wants to reiterate for clubs not to panic and that the portal for online applications will be opening in ‘the coming weeks’.
“The Community Sports Facilities Fund is like a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow for clubs across the country. I have met many clubs across Carlow and Kilkenny over the last few months to help them get ready to apply,” Deputy Cleere said.
“There are some fantastic ambitious applications going to be submitted from clubs across the constituency, and I look forward to that happening.
In relation to the delay, he said: “In July the Department took the precautionary measure to close public access to the OSCAR portal and it is currently working to develop a replacement system which will be more modern, secure, and user friendly as soon as possible, which I believe to be over the coming weeks.
“For clubs who have already registered on OSCAR will automatically be migrated to the new system.
He concluded: “So, my message to clubs around the constituency is not to panic, continue to work on your applications, continuing to submit formal approval and payment requests via email. If any club needs any advice or a hand with any of that, do not to hesitate to contact my office and I’d be delighted to help.