Minister of State for Sport Michael Ring has announced a €40 million Sports Capital Programme for 2014.

The funding is the main channel of Government support for developing sports facilities and purchasing sports equipment for sports clubs and organisations across Ireland.

“The 2014 Sports Capital Programme will again provide much needed capital funding for sporting organisations throughout the country,” said Ring.

“The 2012 Programme saw a record number of applications and we are acutely aware of the very high level of demand that exists for such grants. I am delighted to announce that we will be making allocations totalling €40 million next year.”

The fund will be open for applications from January 17th 2014. Registrations close on February 7th and applications must be completed by February 28th.

“In that regard I would urge all organisations interested in applying for a grant to register immediately at www.sportscapitalogramme.ie,” added Ring. “Applications for the 2014 programme will only be accepted online, and organisations must be registered in order to apply.”