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10th August 2023Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport & Media 2023 Sports Capital and Equipment ProgrammeWebinar for NGBs of Sport and Local AuthoritiesThe Sports Capital & Equipment Programme (SCEP) is operated by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media and provides grants to assist in the development or refurbishment of sports facilities and the provision of sports equipment.Grants are available to voluntary, not-for profit sports clubs, community groups, NGBs, Third level colleges, Education and Training Boards (ETBs) and local authorities. The 2023 round of the Programme is now open for applications. Some important enhancements to the programme, are set out below. THE CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS IS 5PM 8 SEPTEMBER 2023All applications must be made on sportscapitalprogramme.ie and information on how to make an application is available on gov.ie/sportscapitalKEY POINTS
- Local Authorities and NGBs are permitted to submit more than one application under each round of the SCEP
- As funding is limited, only one application per site is allowed. The Department may amalgamate multiple applications from the one site or for the one group of users
- Please note that the maximum value of maintenance equipment that can be applied for is €40,000
- Equipment grants of over €70,000 will only be awarded in exceptional circumstances
- Applications for renovations to swimming pools are being accepted for the first time. Applications can also be submitted for “pop-up” over ground pool facilities.
- An EU Regulation concerning microplastics used in artificial playing surfaces is to be finalised in 2023 and will have implications for the ongoing use of granular rubber infill. As the estimated typical lifetime of artificial playing surfaces of 10-12 years exceeds the proposed 8-year transition period, state funding in respect of new pitches that incorporate such infill would be contrary to the aims of the Regulation and would represent a less than optimal return on investment. Accordingly, applications for new all-weather pitches should be based on facilities that are in accordance with the new regulations
- Regional or National projects (maximum grant has been increased to €500,000) include Local Authority projects seeking between €200,000 and €500,000 (including improvements to swimming pools)
- Threshold increase for local category projects from a maximum of €150,000 to €200,000
- Applications can be submitted for publicly accessible outdoor sports equipment including table tennis facilities
- The Department is anxious to see an increased number of applications from areas witnessing significant population growth. Accordingly, any assistance that can be provided to potential applicants in these areas through the Local Sports Partnership network would be appreciated
- Similarly, it would be appreciated if the Local Sports Partnership network could assist any sports organisations in disadvantaged areas or sports club types that have been underrepresented in the Programme previously
- Local Authorities must make a minimum own funding contribution of 30% of the total project cost
- All other applicants must make a minimum own funding contribution of 5% of the total project cost
- Under the 2023 round, additional marks will likely be awarded to applicants that demonstrate commitment to climate adaptation
- If the local authority, as landlord of a property, is entitled to apply for SCEP funding in its own right, then it is the local authority, rather than the tenant, that must make the application (unless the tenant has a long term lease registered with the Property Registration Authority).
Please consult Guide to Making an Application for full details.
Invitations will issue to participants closer to the date.