141. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport when the next round of the community sport facilities fund will be open; if he will consider allowing clubs use this fund to buy land; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16263/26]

Sentiment score: 0.01

I want to ask the Minister about the next round of the community sports facilities fund, when it will open and if he will consider allowing clubs use the fund to buy land.

Sentiment score: 0.08

Will the Minister of State indicate when we might see this? Will it be in quarter 2, quarter 3 or quarter 4? I welcome the fact that the application process will be simplified. There is a direct correlation between those accessing this funding and the capacity within the organisations involved, even at club level, in the context of completing the forms. There is a barrier that needs to be to be addressed. The Minister of State indicated that a review is coming. What does he mean by that, particularly in the context of targeting sports that have been the subject of underinvestment over the years? Every sport feels that it could do with more investment.

Sentiment score: 0.04

I thank the Minister of State for the clarification on the timelines. One of the sports that has suffered over the years is swimming, particularly in the context of underinvestment in infrastructure and swimming pools. We previously discussed the gap analysis that was prepared and funded by the Department. One of the issues raised in that report was about the model for delivery. We have been talking about the clubs applying, but, of course, that does not deliver swimming pools. Swim Ireland had talked about an alternative hybrid model. In the past it would have been done by local authorities. Has the Minister of State met with Swim Ireland to discuss alternative methods for delivering and running swimming pools? I will make the case, as I have done before, for the Ratoath municipal district in Meath, which is underserved with swimming pools.

Sentiment score: 0.01