Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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105. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the reason the maximum possible grant to an applicant (details supplied) was limited; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39543/24]

Thomas Byrne (Meath East, Fianna Fail)
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On 25 September, Minister Martin and I announced €230 million in grants for sports clubs and facilities under phase 2 of the Community Sport Facilities Fund (formerly the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme).

Over a quarter of a billion euro has been allocated to community sports clubs and facilities in 2024, taking account of the earlier equipment-only allocation of €26 million, with a total investment of €256 million. This will facilitate the largest-ever investment in sports facilities in communities across Ireland.

The application referred to by the Deputy was in respect of "regional" project. The assessment by the Department deemed that the project did not meet the criteria to be considered a "regional" project and as such was allocated the maximum grant available to "local" projects. Unsuccessful applicants or applicants who did not receive the majority of the funding they applied for will be sent an email in the coming week with details of why their application was deemed invalid or why the majority of their grant sought was rejected. Those applicants will also be given the opportunity to appeal the decision if they believe that the Department has made an error in its assessment.

Department officials will be available to assist applicants with any clarifications required if they wish to proceed with an appeal.