1532. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport when he expects the next round of Community Sport Facilities Fund and the Large-Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund to open for applications. [58002/26]

1533. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if he will ensure his Department is adequately resourced for the next round of Community Sport Facilities Fund and the Large-Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund applications, given it is expected applicants will have to apply through a new online portal from this year. [58003/26]

1554. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the timeframe to announce details of the next Community Sports Facilities Fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59355/26]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1532, 1533 and 1554 together.

In line with previous rounds of the Community Sport Facilities Fund (CSFF), a review of the current funding round has been undertaken and will be finalised shortly.

The Department is currently collating feedback from sporting clubs and organisations which provides valuable input to our ongoing preparations for the next round which I expect to open soon. It is anticipated that the next CSFF round will particularly target areas and sports that have been under-invested in over the years. New guidelines will be published in advance of the opening of the next round which will include eligibility and likely assessment criteria.

My aim is to have as many eligible sporting bodies as possible applying, by simplifying the application process and guide, and carrying out a wide-reaching communications campaign. Many clubs are relying on volunteers, and some find it difficult and cumbersome to navigate the current system and processes.

I anticipate that a revised and simplified application and assessment process will make it easier and quicker for clubs to navigate the system at all stages and allow for quicker turn-around times while also reducing the workload for my department.

With regard to a future round of the LSSIF, my current focus is on ensuring project delivery under the first two rounds of the LSSIF, 2018 and 2024, and this process will inform any decisions regarding the timing of a future round.