BACKGROUND –
A Sports Energy Support Scheme (SESS) 2023 was announced by the Department of Sport which was to be administered via Sport Ireland. This represents a second phase of energy support funding, following on from a scheme in 2022.The 2023 scheme has been facilitated through two processes:
- Funding to National Governing Bodies of Sport with oversight to distribute support to their affiliated sports clubs.
- Funding to Local Sports Partnerships targeting community owned sports facilities (community centres, parks, sports halls) which did not qualify for Temporary Business Energy Support (TBESS) or other Government support schemes through the Dept. of Rural and Community Development, Local Authorities/County Councils etc.
NOTE: Clubs or facilities affiliated to Sport Ireland recognised NGBs are NOT eligible for this scheme as the opportunity for support was facilitated directly through their NGB.
ELIGIBILITY
- The Sports Energy Support Scheme (SESS) will contribute to the increased energy costs associated with providing sporting activity only.
- The eligibility period will relate to increased costs sustained between September 1st 2022 and May 31st 2023.
- Organisations must ascertain the estimated increase in energy costs between the periods Sept 2019 – May 2020 and Sept 2022 – May 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.
- The figures submitted should be adjusted to account for non-sports-related energy costs (for example bars, restaurants, creche facilities etc.).
- 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 not cover:
– Private/Commercial gyms, pools & sports facilities (These were eligible to apply for TBESS)
– Local Authority facilities
– School or Third level sports facilities
– Sports clubs DOCUMENTATION REQUIRED Organisations must provide Clare LSP with receipts to show energy costs for the period Sept 2022 – May 2023 which should reflect increases compared to the period Sept 2019 – May 2020.
SELECTION CRITERIA AND APPROVAL
All applications will be evaluated by Clare LSP to determine if they meet the eligibility requirements of this grant scheme. Applications will be reviewed on the merit of the information and documentation provided in the application submitted. Every effort will be made to provide required funding to eligible organisations. In the event of the scheme being oversubscribed, funding amounts offered to successful applicants may be reduced in line with funding available.
Applications must be submitted by Friday November 10th
General inquires – info@claresports.ie.
You will need to sign into a Google account and upload documentation in order to complete your application.