Martin Cullen TD, Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism commented on Budget 2010 saying that the importance of the arts, sport and tourism sectors to the country are “reflected in the commitments contained in the Renewed Programme for Government and the funding secured under Budget 2010 for the Department’s activities over the course of next year.”

Funding to the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism for 2010 is €501m. Within this, current funding is €369m, while capital expenditure is €132m. Funding to Arts, Culture and Film is €166m, funding for Sport and Recreation services is €115m and funding to Tourism Services is €155m.

Sport

Expenditure on sport will be €115 million in 2010.

The Minister said that the Government is committed to increasing and developing participation and interest in sport, improving standards of performance and to developing sports facilities thereby contributing to healthier lifestyles and an improved overall quality of life.

A total of €48m has been provided for the Sports Capital Programme in 2010. Minister Cullen said: “The provision of €48m for Sports Capital projects will ensure that commitments arising in 2010 from previous allocations under the Sports Capital Programme will continue to be made and that a range of modern facilities will be brought in to use in 2010. Over the past 10 years, in excess of €750 million has been allocated to 7,400 sports projects all over the country.”

The Minister continued: “Funding to the Irish Sports Council for 2010 is at €49.789m, a reduction of 4% on the 2009 levels, but is a significant investment by Government to enable this important agency maintain existing programmes and build on recent significant progress in all areas including Local Sports Partnerships, Buntús, Women in Sport, Older People and Sport, Youth Field Sports and the High Performance Programme.”

The Lansdowne Road Stadium, a key sports infrastructure project, remains on schedule to be completed on time and within budget in 2010. The allocation by the Department of €4.5m in 2010 represents the retention amount of the Government's funding for the project of €191m.

Minister Cullen also said: “Ireland is the third largest breeder of thoroughbreds in the world and Irish horses and jockeys consistently succeed at the highest level. An estimated 27,000 jobs are supported by both the horse and greyhound industry in Ireland and significant inward investment is attracted to the country. Taking account of the need to continue to support both industries, €59.264m is being allocated by Government to the Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund in 2010. This is a reduction of 13% on the funding provided in 2009.”

Phase One of the National Sports Campus project remains under review. An amount of €3m is being provided for the refurbishment of the former Marine Institute building at Abbotstown which will be used as a headquarters for national governing bodies of sport. The remainder of the allocation will be used to provide for capital maintenance at the National Aquatic Centre.

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