News

Large Scale Sports Infrastructure Fund

February 8th, 2019|
  • The Department of Transport, Tourism & Sport has announced the ‘Large Scale Sport Infrastructure
    Fund’. This is a capital allocation of at least €100m over the period 2019 to 2027 for the entire
    country. The funding is aimed at National Governing Bodies (NGBs) as well as Local Authorities.
    Further details on the outline of the Scheme are available on the following link.
    Clare County Council is seeking expressions of interest from sporting bodies, clubs and voluntary
    organisations to submit joint projects for funding under this scheme that will increase:
    participation in sports
    interest in sports
    improve standards
    develop sport facilitates
    Expressions of interest are now being sought to be considered to be put forward for funding.
    Please forward detailed proposal to:
    “LSSIF Expression of Interest”
    Social Development Directorate
    Clare County Council
    Áras Contae an Chláir
    New Road,
    Ennis,
    Co. Clare
    The closing date for completed Expressions of Interest forms is 3pm on Friday 8th March 2019.
    Expressions of Interest forms received after this date will not be accepted.
    Hereunder is a synopsis and requirements of the Fund:
    The scheme is initially open to applications from National Governing Bodies (NGBs) and Local
    Authorities (LAs).
    The scheme will consist of two streams. Stream One, which is aimed at smaller NGBs and
    Local Authorities, will help fund the development of proposals to tender stage. Stream Two
    will assist applicants to bring projects from tender stage to completion.
    The scheme will require a minimum contribution of 30% from applicants toward the cost of
    any works/design.
    The scheme encourages multi-functional sports facilities that will serve more than one
    sport. Sharing between sports, NGBs and LAs is encouraged and such projects will be viewed
    more favourably.
    The existing Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme is closed for new applications and
    any proposed funding for swimming pools will be considered under the LSSIF
    Eligibility
    In considering investment in infrastructure, priority will be given to projects that:
    Can be identified as a priority within a Local Authority’s Development Plan and strategic vision, demonstrating cross-sector collaboration and clearly identified local priorities;
    Can be identified as a priority of an NGB in it’s strategy for the development of active participation, social participation and improvement of high performance in the sport it governs e.g. development centres;
    Are multi-functional in nature and cater for a number of sports and other activities;
    Provide facilities that are open to the general public;
    Meet the needs of a mixed group of clubs and associations;
    Prioritise the needs of disadvantaged areas and groups including people with disabilities;
    Require funding for the development of capital infrastructure (new build, modernisation or refurbishment) and major fixed equipment where it is an integral part of the project;
    Are located on a site(s) where the applicant holds ownership or long-term lease with at least 25 years remaining;
    Are seeking a grant of at least €300,000 under stream 2;
    Identify confirmed capital partnership funding (30%) for the project from the applicant and/or other parties (not state funded);
    Provide and demonstrate a commitment and financial management strategy to effectively manage the facility;
    Address the potential for delivery of sustainable energy conservation for the facility and promotes sustainable travel;
    New swimming pool projects will also be considered;
    Do not include costs for non-fixed equipment which are not covered by this fund;
    Projects with already committed expenditure cannot be considered
    Returns will be considered and the successful projects to be submitted by Clare County Council to the Department of Transport, Tourism & Sport under the Large Scale Sports Infrastructure Fund will be generated following a determination of the eligibility criteria subject to meeting the criteria of the fund