Sports Capital & Equipment Programme 2023
- Local project maximum grant increased from €150,000 to €200,000
- Regional project maximum grant increased from €300,000 to €500,000
- Specific focus on climate action, sustainability and gender equality
- Further information can be found at gov.ie/sportscapital
- Applications can be made online only from 9am on 17 July until 5pm on 8th September 2023
The Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin T.D., and the Minister of State for Sport and Physical Education, Thomas Byrne T.D., today (12th July 2023) announced that a new round of the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme (SCEP) will open for new applications from 17 July. The SCEP is the Government’s primary vehicle for providing support to sports clubs and communities to develop sports infrastructure around the country.
Applicants for local projects can now apply for up to €200,000, increased from the previous maximum grant of €150,000. The maximum valid grant available for projects deemed to be of regional significance has been increased from €300,000 to €500,000.
In addition, this year’s SCEP “Guide to Making an Application” has a focus on climate action and sustainability for the first time, supporting local clubs to take steps to reduce their energy consumption and applying for more efficient lighting.
For the first time in the history of the SCEP, projects will only be considered for grant support if access is guaranteed to men and women on equal terms. As one of the stated objectives of the Programme is to increase female participation, all applications for funding of women-only facilities will be deemed valid for consideration.
The Sports Capital and Equipment Programme is the Government’s primary vehicle for supporting the development of sports facilities and the purchase of non-personal sports equipment. Grants are available to voluntary, not-for profit sports clubs, community groups, National Governing Bodies (NGBs) of sport and local authorities. Third level colleges, Education and Training Boards (ETBs) and schools may only apply for funding jointly with sports clubs or organisations.
A detailed list of projects that the programme funds can be found in the “Guide to Making an Application” and includes:
- Natural grass sports pitches, tracks and courts (including pitch drainage)
- Energy Efficient Floodlighting
- Artificial sports pitches, tracks, courts and multi-use games areas
- Security fencing, ball stop netting and goal posts
- Hurling walls / handball alleys
- Building or refurbishment of dressing rooms, showers and toilets
- Building or refurbishment of sports halls and gyms
- Non-personal sports equipment.
- Modifications to sports facilities to reduce energy consumption
- Any other capital projects that are clearly sporting in nature and that will increase participation in sport or improve performance
Further information about the programme including details of all previous allocations can be found at gov.ie/sportscapital .
Applications can be made online only from 9am on 17 July until 5pm on 8th September 2023.
The Review of the 2020 Round can be found at https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/84105-review-of-spo¬rts-capital-and-equipment-programme-2020/
