Kilkenny TD welcomes increased thresholds under Sports Capital & Equipment Programme 2023

Sports Capital and Equipment Programme grant threshold increases and funding for energy saving works under the grants initiative are a welcome boost and clubs across Kilkenny and Carlow should apply now, Fine Gael TD, John Paul Phelan, said.

“An increase in the local project maximum grant increased from €150,000 to €200,000 will be music to the ears of clubs in this constituency. The Sports Capital & Equipment Programme also now includes a specific focus on climate action, sustainability and gender equality and will open for new applications from 17 July.

“The SCEP is the Government’s primary vehicle for providing support to sports clubs and communities to develop sports infrastructure around the country. The maximum valid grant available for projects deemed to be of regional significance has been increased from €300,000 to €500,000.

“The first step in obtaining a grant is to register on the Department’s online system and the Ministers encouraged any clubs that are not already registered to do so now. Clubs can register at www.sportscapitalprogramme. ie

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“Once registered, all applications must be made on the same website. The system will be open for applications from 17 July to 8 September. A detailed list of projects that the programme funds can be found in the “Guide to Making an Application” section of the  and includes:

·       Natural grass sports pitches, tracks and courts (including pitch drainage)

·       Energy Efficient 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 sports equipment.

·       Modifications to sports facilities to reduce energy consumption

·       Any other capital projects that are clearly sporting in nature and that will increase participation in sport or improve performance

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“For the first time in the history of the SCEP, projects will only be considered for grant support if access is guaranteed to men and women on equal terms. As one of the stated objectives of the Programme is to increase female participation, all applications for funding of women-only facilities will be deemed valid for consideration.”    

Announcing the programme, Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin T.D.  said: “This is excellent news for sports organisations that have plans to improve their facilities and wish to avail of support. The Programme has already made an enormous difference to communities in every part of the country.

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“To encourage as many people to participate in sport and physical activity as possible, we need to have appropriate sports facilities and equipment. The new round of the Programme will again prioritise applications from disadvantaged areas, those that target people with disabilities, and projects that share facilities amongst different organisations and sports. In relation to changes to the scheme, I am very pleased that applications for improvements to swimming pools will be accepted for the first time. I also welcome the fact that, for the first time, the “Guide to Making an Application”, as published today, has a specific focus on climate action and sustainability issues.”