Fine Gael Cork South Central TD, Jerry Buttimer, has said that there has been huge demand from clubs across Cork for the latest round of the Sports Capital Programme. A total of 217 applications have been received from Cork clubs, seeking more than €21 million in funding.
“In the current round of the Sports Capital Programme €30 million is available for distribution. After initial examination of applications it clear that the programme is significantly oversubscribed. In Cork alone there has been 217 applications requesting funding of more than €21 million for projects with a total value of almost €34 million.
“Nationally, when the 2012 Sports Capital Programme closed for applications on Friday June 1st, over 2,150 sports clubs and organisations had applied for funding. These organisations are seeking more than €224 million in funding for projects with a total value of almost €370 million.
“It is not surprising that there has been such a high demand for the programme. The high number of applications shows that the decision taken by Minster of State for Tourism and Sport, Michael Ring, TD, to reopen the programme was much needed. This is the first time since 2008 that this programme has been open to applications.
“The sports capital programme gives great support to clubs and sporting organisations around the country. It plays a vital role in developing facilities and enabling organisations to continue to provide important services which are so valued by local communities.
“Unfortunately given the oversubscription it will not be possible for government to accommodate each one of the very many worthy applications. It is expected that applicants will be advised of decisions in late autumn or early winter.”