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Ministers Shane Ross and Brendan Griffin today announced €7m in grants to Sports Capital Programme (SCP) projects. The grants announced today represent the first set of allocations under the 2018 round of the SCP and relate to projects previously deemed invalid under the 2017 round of the programme which have now been corrected. 170 individual groups are receiving a grant offer.

Minister Shane Ross stated “The Sports Capital Programme remains an essential vehicle for providing suitable sports facilities and equipment to allow as many people participate in sport as possible. The grants which we have approved today will benefit every county and 23 different sports will see improved facilities and equipment. I look forward to announcing grants to many more deserving sports projects later in the year. ”

Minister of State Brendan Griffin said “Since being appointed minister with responsibility for sport I have had the pleasure of seeing the huge difference that the Sports Capital Programme has made throughout the country. I commend the volunteers behind the clubs and groups receiving grants today. They are the lifeblood of sports in Ireland and providing them with the right facilities and equipment is the least we can do to assist them in their roles as coaches, mentors or grounds keepers.”

Under the 2018 SCP, for the first time applicants who were invalid under the previous (2017) round were invited to correct their applications rather than having to make completely fresh applications. 186 groups took up this opportunity and over 90% of these groups are now getting a grant. The full list of all grants is available on the Department’s website at www.dttas.ie/sport/english/sports-capital-programme

In relation to the new applications submitted under the 2018 round, work will now be advanced on the assessment of these with allocations to be announced later in the year.