No new Govt/Lottery grants available

Sports Minister Martin Cullen has confirmed his department will make no money available for any new grant applications under the Sports Capital Programme, which is partly funded by the National Lottery.

Minister Cullen said this scheme had helped provide sports facilities in every village, town and city since its introduction in 1987.

He confirmed that over €50m had been allocated for 685 facilities in 2008, and although there was €56m to pay already approved grants, there would be no additional funds for any 2009 applications.