Minister answers query on Kildare sports capital grant
Photo for illustrative purposes only
Minister of State for Sport and Postal Policy Charlie McConalogue has issued a response to query raised in the Dáil by Kildare TD Aidan Farrelly regarding the ongoing dispute regarding the allocation of a Sports Capital Grant which in part funded the development of an astroturf facility in Killashee Hotel.
The pitch is currently used by National League outfit Klub Kildare but the Kildare and District League (KDUL) continue to dispute the distribution of the grant.
Having spoken to the KDUL, Deputy Farrelly raised the matter on 29 April and received a detailed response directly from the Minister.
The responses states:
"
• Kildare and District Underage League was provisionally allocated €350,000 under the Sports Capital Programme 2006 for an all-weather pitch.
• In November 2019 Kildare and District Underage League advised that it was close to finalising a lease on the lands on which the proposed artificial all weather would be located.
• In 2020, as part of a general campaign by the Department to draw down or close off longer-term unused grants, Kildare and District Underage League was advised by the Department that consideration was being given to formally withdrawing the grant allocation. The organisation advised that it was anxious to use the grant but would not be progressing the project on the original site.
• In August 2020 Kildare and District Underage League advised the Department that they had experienced problems with the lands they were hoping to develop on (they had a lease in place but the owner of the property (NAMA) were not willing to allow an astroturf to be built on the site. They advised that they had reached an agreement for another site at Killashee House, in the same locality.
• Transfer of this grant to Kildare and District Underage League Academy was subsequently requested by Pat McNally, the designated representative of Kildare and District Underage League.
• In an email to the Department in August 2020, Pat McNally advised that a new company was being formed called Kildare District and Underage League Academy (KDUL Academy). Accordingly, the 2006 provisional grant to Kildare and District Underage League was transferred to KDUL Academy CLG in March 2021 following the provision of a new Tax Registration Number and bank account number. The Department also verified the relevant Companies Registration Office registration.
• In July 2022, KDUL Academy CLG complied with all requirements for formal approval of the SCP 2006 grant of €350,000 for an artificial all-weather pitch at Killashee House Hotel. These requirements were:
o Title based on a registered lease.
o planning permission had been obtained, and
o completion of a formal grant agreement with the Department.
• Subsequently, the Department received all required invoices, proof of payment and all relevant documents to pay the entire €350,000 as follows:
Payment date Amount
• 15/03/2023 €67,532
• 18/09/2023 €70,000
• 11/12/2023 €70,000
• 13/12/2023 €98,000
• 12/02/2024 €26,968
• 10/10/2024 €17,500
Total Payments€350,000
The above payments were made by EFT to KDUL Academy CLG.
• In previous correspondence with the Department, the grantee has confirmed that the grant-aided all-weather pitch is the property of KDUL Academy CLG alone and that there was no intention to transfer ownership to any other entity.
• KDUL Academy advised the Department in April 2023 that they had agreed with Klub Kildare that they could hire out the pitch for their games for season 2024 at a nominal fee. The Department understands that Klub Kildare was founded in 2018 with the intention of bringing National League Underage League Soccer to Kildare. Competing in the Under 14, Under 15, Under 17 and Under 19 EA Sports National League. Klub Kildare have applied to join the third tier of the National League which will get underway in 2026.
• KDUL Academy also advised that another body that could avail of the facility free of charge is (Cerebral Palsy) Ireland, for training during the 2024 year. There is no evidence of non-compliance with the terms and conditions of the programme in respect of this grant or on the part of the grantee. Any questions regarding structures and / or governance around KDUL Academy CLG are best addressed to the Football Association of Ireland."
Since raising the issue in the Dáil, Deputy Farrelly has met, and held lengthy discussions with, Klub Kildare officials. In a statement released earlier this week, the club thanked him for work done so.
"The committee would like to thank Deputy Aidan Farrelly for engaging with the Klub Kildare committee to try and help find a solution to the matter."
In the same statement, Klub Kildare emphasised that they remain committed to finding a solution and again called on the KDUL to enter into discussions.
"The committee continue to remain available to engage in constructive dialogue with KDUL Interim Committee in an appropriate manner, not via medai and social media channels."
