The Sports Energy Support Scheme (SESS) Funding Guidelines & Application Process NGBS – Phase III

INTRODUCTION

 In 2022, the Government provided an additional investment of €35 million 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.

 

A third phase of the Scheme is now open. The eligibility period of this Scheme will extend to the end of July 2023

Under the Scheme NGBs/LSPs can now:

1. Apply for support towards the increased costs of energy for the months of June 2023 and July 2023.
2. Apply for support for the complete period (Sept 2019 – July 2020 vs Sept 2022 – July 2023) for those clubs/facilities who did not previously make a claim.
3. Utilise unused surpluses from Phase I/Phase II SESS funding to offset claims for June and July 2023.

 

Funding will be made available to support :

• NGB affiliated Clubs along with their large scale national sporting facilities, centres or stadiums owned/affiliated or connected to the NGB.
• LSP known, community owned sports facilities which do not currently qualify for TBESS or other Government support schemes through DRCD, Local Authorities 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.

Please complete the form HERE.

The club statement of assurance to be submitted with the application form can be found here: Club Statement of Assurance October 2023.docx

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 Monday 23rd October  5.00pm ( to allow Athletics Ireland to  submit to Sport Ireland on the 25th October)

 

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 July 31st 2023 VS September 1st 2019 – July 31st 2020
• 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 and LSPs. 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.
• Support will be capped at a maximum of €110,000 (average of €10k per month) for any one club/facility. Please note this does not apply to national facilities/stadiums.

 

• The Scheme will not cover:
  • Private/Commercial gyms & sports facilities. These enterprises are eligible to apply for TBESS.
  • Local authority facilities
  • School or Third level sports facilities

 

PROCESS & TIMELINE

• Sport Ireland will seek submissions from NGBs/LSPs detailing the estimated increased costs for their network of clubs/community facilities.
• NGBs/LSPs should immediately engage with clubs/facilities making them aware of the available support.
• NGBs/LSPs are also asked to extensively advertise this process on all their social media and other communication channels.
• The closing date for applications to Sport Ireland will be Wednesday October 25th 2023.
• 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/LSP) will be communicated to sports organisations in December 2023.
• Subject to approval and standard Terms & Conditions, the process of payment will begin thereafter.
• Grantee organisations will be required to disburse this funding to relevant clubs, affiliate organisations, community facilities as soon as possible.
• Clubs in receipt of funding will need to be in a position to verify their request / increases to their Governing Body/Local Sports Partnerships.
• Organisations in receipt of Energy Scheme support funding may be subject to audit as per Sport Ireland terms and conditions.

 

Please complete the form HERE.