Sports Clubs and their members should be allowed to immediately benefit from VAT refunds – Smith

Fianna Fáil Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown County Councillor and Local Election candidate in Stillorgan, Donal Smith has called on the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Shane Ross TD to immediately extend the VAT refund scheme to sports clubs.

Cllr Smith, who is contesting the forthcoming Local Elections in Stillorgan LEA, believes that such a move would be of major benefit to a number of sports clubs in the area and could potentially provide Kilmacud Crokes with over €100,000 in much needed capital.

In his letter to the Minister, he said, “Under existing tax law in Ireland, registered charities are permitted to reclaim VAT. As non-for-profit organisations that make a massive contribution to their local community, sports clubs should also be able to avail of taxation relief.

“Our local GAA club, Kilmacud Crokes is currently carrying out pitch development works at Glenalbyn, Stillorgan that could cost upwards of €900,000. If access to the VAT refund scheme was extended to sports clubs it would make raising this capital much easier.

“Clubs of all sizes would benefit from the funds generated by reclaiming their VAT expenses. Think of the difference it would also make to the soccer, hockey, basketball and swimming clubs in this area and across the rest of the country.

“There are clubs providing their members with services and access to facilities in villages including Stillorgan, Cabinteely and Foxrock on limited funding. It is nonsensical that those volunteering or working with a club have to make huge efforts to collect membership fees and to fundraise to ultimately have to fork out a lot of it in tax.

“Minister Ross should be keener to support sports clubs operating in the heart of communities and promoting healthy living, exercise and team spirit among all ages,” concluded Cllr Smith.