A new €40 million fund for important sports capital projects has been announced today by Minister of State for Tourism and Sport Michael Ring.

The Sports Capital Programme is the main channel of Government support for developing sports facilities and purchasing sports equipment for sports clubs and organisations across Ireland.

“The 2014 Sports Capital Programme will again provide much needed capital funding for sporting organisations throughout the country. The 2012 Programme saw a record number of applications and we are acutely aware of the very high level of demand that exists for such grants.  I am delighted to announce that we will be making allocations totalling €40 million next year.  Under the programme pitches will be drained, floodlights will be installed, sports halls will be improved and dressing rooms will be built.  Thanks to these grants, people will have more opportunities than ever to get active and stay active in a wide range of sports. It will also have a positive impact on job creation in construction,” Minister Ring said.

“The terms and conditions of the programme have been finalised and it will open for applications on 17^th January 2014. In that regard I would urge all organisations interested in applying for a grant to register immediately at www.sportscapitalogramme.ie. Applications for the 2014 programme will only be accepted online, and organisations must be registered in order to apply.”

• Open for applications from 12 noon on Friday 17^th January;
• Closed for registration at 5pm on Friday 7^th February;
• Closed for applications at 5pm on Friday 28^th February.