Sports organisations and local authorities allocated capital funding of €24.66 million in early 2020 for nine projects which have yet to start will not be allowed to continue on the “never-never”, Charlie McConalogue has insisted.The Minister of State for Sport said: “We are making it very clear to all of the projects that they need to be moving forward. My team is actively engaging with those behind them with the objective of making sure they can proceed to construction.”Projects “not moving forward will have to be taken off the books so new ones can be considered”, he said.The Department of Sport confirmed a total of €24,664,148 was allocated to the projects, two of which involve the Football Association of Ireland (FAI).The delays were mainly due to cost inflation, “which necessitated design revisions and re-engineering of projects”. Some cited the impact of Covid and difficulty in reaching their own funding target.The largest amount, €8 million, went to Galway City Council to build an international-standard swimming pool. It was awarded a further €3.25 million in May to ensure construction. The council said the original site proved unviable and the extra funding would allow the project move towards construction. Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council was awarded €5.65 million for a new building with a multisport hall, swimming pool and gym as part of phase two of the Samuel Beckett Civic Campus. A response has been sought from the council on the progress of the project.Funding awards also included €4.684 million to the FAI for the redevelopment of Finn Harps’ community stadium in Donegal.Government backbencher Pádraig O’Sullivan highlighted one of the most controversial projects, the €2.02 million awarded to the FAI for the Munster Centre of Excellence, which he said was “sitting there undrawn for six years”. The FAI decided in 2023 not to proceed with the project and the department said the association “is engaging with partners regarding the establishment of a football centre of excellence in Cork. A response has been sought from the FAI with regards to the progress of both projects.”O’Sullivan said a “gun needs to be put to the head of these organisations and they need to get on with the works”.Sharply criticising groups and local authorities who “have been sitting on the money” for more than six years, he said “there are more that have been allocated funding in a subsequent round. Deadlines need to be imposed.”Finance of between €600,000 and €30 million is provided by Government for capital projects under the Large-Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF).The scheme began in 2018 and the first round of funding was allocated in early 2020, with a requirement that sports organisations generate 30 per cent of the funding and the State the remaining 70 per cent.McConalogue confirmed in the Dáil recently there were nine projects awarded funding in early 2020 following the 2018 launch of the scheme which have still not drawn down any finance. “Two have indicated their intention to withdraw their grant allocation,” he said.The Minister said some developments receive funding in stages, including the €24.7 million in total awarded to Bohemians for its Dalymount Park upgrade, which is under way.McConalogue cited 12 projects either fully or partially completed, including the refurbishment of Dundalk Leisure Centre, Co Louth; St Conleth’s Park, Co Kildare; Munster Centre of Excellence, Cork; Askeaton Pool and Leisure, Co Limerick; Cavan Regional Sports Campus; phases one and two of the Munster Technological University athletics track, Cork; and Dexcom Connacht rugby stadium, Galway.Non-starter projectsGrant of €8,003,415 to Galway City Council towards the new Galway Regional Aquatic Centre swimming pool with capacity for international events. Additional €3.25 million granted in May this year. The council said the original site is unviable, with planning permission secured for a new location. The project will move “towards” construction subject to due diligence, final approval and tender documentation. Grant of €2,025,699 to FAI for redevelopment of facilities for Munster Centre of Excellence. Department of Sport said the FAI decided in 2023 the project was unviable as it “no longer represented the best return on investment”. FAI wants to use funds for centre of excellence in Cork. FAI awarded €4,684,559 for redevelopment of Finn Harps Community Stadium, Donegal. The FAI is “engaging” with the department and Finn Harps “to progress the project”, the department said. A response has been sought from the FAI on both projects. Rowing Ireland awarded €679,611 for redevelopment of National Rowing Centre, Inniscarra, Co Cork. The organisation said the 30 per cent funding requirement presents a “particular financial challenge” and requires “that works and materials are paid for in advance”. The sports body is “actively exploring and developing relationships with potential partners and supporters” to secure funding.Grant of €5.65 million to Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council for multisports hall, swimming pool and gym, for phase two of Samuel Beckett Civic Campus. Department says the council is “working to progress the project”. A response has been sought from the council. Laois County Council awarded €462,952 towards “essential safety improvements” at Portarlington Leisure Centre swimming pool. Department says the local authority is “working to progress” the project. A response has been sought from the council.Wicklow County Council granted €1,796,600 for refurbishment of Wicklow swimming pool and leisure centre including improving accessibility. Council said the project was initially delayed by Covid, and faced tendering difficulties. The project is “about to be tendered again and work will commence by year’s end, with a six-month time frame for completion”.New Inn Community Development granted €1,061,312 for East Galway Sports Campus including Astro-turf pitch, multi-use games area, dressingrooms, car parking, landscaping. The group said the project was delayed by Covid, planning matters and change of contract terms. It expects to be in “position to draw down the funding as the tender is currently being examined by the Office of Public Works” and the department.Sligo County Council awarded €300,000 for installation of air handling units at Waterpoint Aqua Park Renovation Project. The council says costs escalated post-Covid and it could not fund additional works. A reduction in the scope of the works was agreed, and the project is expected to be completed in 2026.