Clare Fine Gael TD Joe Carey is encouraging local clubs and sports organisations to prepare applications and register online for a share in a €40 million fund to develop sports infrastructure around the country. 

“My Fine Gael colleague, the Minister for Sport Brendan Griffin, has confirmed to me that the money will be made available to develop sports infrastructure around the country under this year’s Sports Capital Programme.

“Clare clubs and organisations have already derived considerable benefit from the programme which has helped them develop their grounds and facilities. I want this to continue and I am  encouraging clubs all around the county to prepare the necessary paperwork for their applications in advance.

“The Sports Capital Programme was re-instated by the last Fine Gael government in 2012, after it had been cut by Fianna Fáil in the wake of the economic crash and it has been very successful in getting much needed funding to our local clubs,” Deputy Carey said. 

“It is crucial we invest in sport and the health of our population, particularly with obesity is on the rise. Investing in sport is good for the health of the nation, both literally and economically.

Some significant changes have been introduced to the assessment methodology to  minimise the number of invalid applications with greater priority being given to applications from disadvantaged areas and projects that promote the sharing of sports facilities with other clubs and the wider community.

Applications can only be made online until 5pm on Friday, October 19. Clare clubs and sports organisations looking to apply should register now at www.sportscapitalprogramme.ie