“Mayo clubs should apply now for sports capital funding,” said Fine Gael Mayo TD, John O’Mahony. Deputy O’Mahony was speaking after confirmation from the Minister for Sport, Michael Ring, that an extra €40 million has been secured for Sports Capital Programme in 2015.
The second term Dáil Deputy said: “It is very welcome that once again, sports capital funding will be provided to clubs and local organisations around the country in the coming year. The economic recovery allowed this Government to re-instate the programme after it was closed by Fianna Fáil during the recession. We understand the importance of sport to communities around the country and the imperative to fund it. Money spent on sport is money saved on healthcare down the road. According to the Department of Sport, 90 per cent of sports capital recipients say it has helped them to increase the numbers of people involved in sport.”
He continued: “The €40 million for 2015 brings to €130 million the total amount made available by this Government for the development of vital sports infrastructure. There is a two-step process for any club or organisation wishing to apply for this funding. All Mayo clubs planning to apply must register on the online system on www.sportscapitalprogramme.ie before 5pm on Friday, April 10 [if not already registered]. They must then get their applications in online before 5pm on Friday, April 24.”
He concluded: “If any club is concerned about getting their application right, they should look at the handy guide on the website. The Department of Sport has also made some helpful YouTube videos to supplement this guide and show you how best to prepare your application.”
