Sports Capital Programme 2014 - Golfing Opportunities

The Department of Transport, Tourism & Sport has announced that a €40 million Sports Capital Programme (SCP) will be available for 2014. this funding is the main channel of Government support for developing sports facilities and purchasing sports equipment for sports clubs and organizations across Ireland.

This is an opportunity for Irish golf clubs to seek money for specific works/upgrades. The funding will be restricted to certain areas as the SCP aims to foster an integrated and planned approach to developing sports and physical recreation facilities throughout the country. But the opportunities are still there.

In particular, the SCP's objectives are to:

• assist voluntary and community organisations, national governing bodies (NGBs) of sport, local authorities and in some cases VECs and schools to develop high quality, safe, well-designed, sustainable facilities in appropriate locations and to provide appropriate equipment to help maximise participation in sport and physical recreation
• prioritise the needs of disadvantaged areas in the provision of sports facilities
• encourage the multi-purpose use of local, regional and national sports facilities by clubs, community organisations and national governing bodies of sport.

Michael Ring TD, Minister of State for Tourism & Sport, officially launched the SCP today.

“More than a thousand organisations have registered already and there is only limited time available for other sports clubs to apply. The 2012 Programme was a huge success but demand outstripped supply, with €7.50 sought for every €1 available. That’s why it’s vital for clubs and groups applying for the 2014 scheme to get registered immediately and start filling out the online form now to give themselves the best chance of making a good application,” Minister Ring said.

The SCP is online in a system called OSCAR (Online Sports Capital Register). Applications will be accepted from January 17^th 2014 to 28^th February 2014.

This will be the only way to apply for grants under any future rounds of the SCP. Any clubs/organisations wishing to make future applications must first register online.

A Tax Registration Number (TRN) is required for all clubs/organisations wishing to register on OSCAR. The TRN is the unique identifier and user name for logging into the system. It is not permitted for clubs to use the TRN number of your National Governing Body.

It is strongly recommended that those wishing to apply for funding under the 2014 SCP register asap, but no later than 7^th February 2014. To register for OSCAR, go to https://www.sportscapitalprogramme.ie/.

The terms and conditions for the 2014 SCP are now available.  They are set out in a document entitled “Guide to filling out the application form”. This is found on the Department’s website. 

There will be a guide to help you through the process when you go online but if you require any further assistance please contact Lisa on 01 4533371 or Lisa@iaba.ie

Important dates

• Friday 17^th January 2014 - The 2014 Sports Capital Programme will be open for applications from 12 noon.

• Friday 7^th February 2014 - Organisations must register by 5pm.

• Friday 28^th February 2014 - The deadline for applications is 5pm.