327. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport for an evaluation undertaken within his Department of the impact of the large scale sports infrastructure funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50601/26]

The cumulative investment from the Large-Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund since 2020 is €297 million with €124 million allocated under the 2018 round and a further €173 million in November 2024.

A review of the Large-Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF) was published in April 2024. The review outlined the issues faced by LSSIF projects and provided recommendations in relation to a new round of LSSIF. The review is available of my Department’s website at: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-culture-communications-and-sport/services/large-scale-sport-infrastructure-fund-lssif-2018/#lssif-review-and-similar-access-requirement.

My officials continue to work closely with LSSIF grantees, and I am pleased to confirm that LSSIF projects are progressing at pace with a number of substantial projects such as Dexcom Stadium, Munster Centre of Excellence, Newcastlewest Athletics Hub, St Conleth’s GAA and Askeaton Swimming Pool now complete. A number of other LSSIF projects such as the RDS are due to be completed this year or are significantly advanced.

As with all capital expenditure, each project must undergo a series of assessments as required by the Infrastructure Guidelines, set out by the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation. Projects allocated funding under the the 2024 round of LSSIF are progressing through these assessments.

For capital projects and programmes, benefits will not be seen until after the proposal is completed. Ex-Post Evaluation are conducted once sufficient time has elapsed for the benefits and outcomes to materialise. Depending on the investment proposal, this could vary from three to five years after completion of the project or programme.