1575. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the budget available for the large-scale sport infrastructure fund; when the funding will be awarded; the number of applicants by county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35273/19]

The National Development Plan confirmed the establishment of a new Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF) with at least €100m available over the coming years. The scheme is designed to provide a transparent and robust system for funding sports capital projects where the Government contribution exceeds the amount which is currently available under the Sports Capital Programme. Initially, the scheme has a particular focus on National Governing Bodies of Sport and Local Authorities.

The fund opened for applications on 19th November 2018 and the closing date for receipt of applications was 17th April. 72 applications were received in total. My officials are currently undertaking an initial assessment of the applications received. Details of all applications received have been published on the Department's website.

In view of the detailed information contained in each application, I am advised that it will take a number of months to have all of them assessed. Accordingly, I expect that it will be towards the end of this year before any allocations are announced.