The Sports Energy Support Scheme (SESS)

POSTED:

Funding Guidelines & Application Process

INTRODUCTION

The Government will provide an additional investment of €35 million to sport in 2022. The purpose of the funding is to support sporting organisations with the rising energy costs associated with the provision of sport e.g., indoor activity in winter, the provision of outdoor floodlighting etc.

General cost of living increases such as rising costs in accommodation, rent, rates or labour costs are not eligible. Fuel costs associated with machinery, vehicles, travel or transport do not qualify.

The primary target is sports clubs with dedicated facilities. Due to the nature and timing of the  Scheme, funding must be paid to NGBs in 2022, for onward distribution to their networks in the first quarter of 2023.

Please complete the form here

 

If you require any assistance, please email Athletics Ireland Club Development Manager, Dermot Mc Granaghan at DermotMcGranaghan@athleticsireland.ie

Closing date for clubs to submit to Athletics Ireland is Thursday November 24th 5.00pm (to allow Athletics Ireland to  submit to Sport Ireland next day)

 

ELIGIBILITY

  • The Sports Energy Support Scheme (SESS) will contribute to the increased energy cost associated with providing sporting activity only.
  • The Eligibility period will relate to increased costs sustained between September 1st 2022 and March 31st 2023.
  • Non Energy related increases are ineligible. These include increased costs in accommodation, rent, rates or labour costs.
  • Fuel costs associated with machinery, vehicles, travel or transport do not qualify.
  • Pre-existing debts or deficits do not qualify.
  • Energy costs associated with non-sporting activity such as bars, restaurants etc. are not eligible under SESS; however, such trading activity may be eligible for support under the Government’s Temporary Business Energy Support Scheme (TBESS).
  • Organisations applying for support must own/lease the sporting facilities or be the primary utility bill payer.
  • The Scheme will be open to Sport Ireland Recognised/Funded NGBs. This is to ensure pre-existing levels of governance and operational assurances exist between Sport Ireland and those in direct receipt of funding.
  • The Scheme is aimed at supporting Clubs in the Republic of Ireland only.
  • Sport Ireland will establish a minimum level of support for clubs. This will be determined when the extent of the demand from the sector is known.
  • Support will be capped at a maximum of €60,000 for any one club.

 

The Scheme will NOT cover:

  • Private/Commercial gyms, pools & sports facilities (Private/commercial enterprises are eligible to apply for TBESS)
  • Local authority facilities
  • School or Third level sports facilities

 

PROCESS & TIMELINE

  • The Scheme formally opens on Tuesday 15 November 2022.
  • Sport Ireland will make an initial assessment on the level of requests.
  • Depending on the level of submissions, the outcome of those deliberations (that is the overall level of funding allocation to each NGB) will be communicated to sports organisations in December.
  • Subject to approval and standard Terms & Conditions, the process of payment will begin thereafter, with payments to NGBs by 31 December 2022. (The Department will need to put Sport Ireland in funds for the Scheme ahead of this.)
  • Grantee organisations will be required to disburse this funding to relevant clubs, affiliate organisations from January 2023 onwards.
  • All disbursements to clubs, affiliate organisations should be completed by NGBs as early as possible in 2023.
  • Clubs in receipt of funding will need to be in a position to verify their request / increases     to their Governing Body.
  • Organisations in receipt of Energy Scheme support funding may be subject to audit as per Sport Ireland terms and conditions.
  • Sport Ireland will retain a portion of the overall funding to address any anomalies or unknown need in early 2023.

Please complete the form here

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