Briain Kelly, 10 May
Sports clubs in Galway City and County have been awarded more than €1.6
million in funding for new equipment.
Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media Catherine
Martin has announced more than €26 million for over 900 clubs around the
country.
The allocations under the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme are in
response to equipment-only applications which sporting organisations
submitted.
Over 900 sports groups were successful in their applications for various
types of equipment which will be of practical benefit to multiple sports
organisations, their members and athletes across Ireland.
Further allocations under the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme,
including those for capital works, and capital works tied with an
equipment component, will be announced later.
Minister Martin said, “Our sporting organisations are at the heart of our
communities providing opportunities to people to participate in healthy
activities and to enjoy the successes of their local teams and sporting
heroes.”
“I am delighted to confirm the largest ever allocation of grants for
equipment under the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme.”
“The significant funding announced today will assist a vast range of
sporting organisations around the country and be a great source of support
to local teams on and off the field of play.”
“Minister Thomas Byrne and I are committed to providing continued supports
to sporting organisations to increase participation in sport in
communities across Ireland.”
“I am confident that the revised allocations under the National
Development Plan will also allow for significant funding to be allocated
for capital works when the necessary assessments of applications are
completed.”
Minister Thomas Byrne added, “The diversity of organisations which will
receive this record level of sports equipment funding illustrates the
passion and interest that we have as a nation for sport in all its forms.”
“The work done on a voluntary basis throughout the country in sports
organisations is invaluable and it is only right that the Government plays
its part in facilitating sporting participation and excellence across the
country.”
“In an Olympic year, it is appropriate that we illustrate the Government’s
commitment to sport and participation through strong investment in the
facilities and equipment needed.”
“I look forward to confirming further capital funding for the sports
sector under the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme.”
The full list of clubs which have received funding under the programme can
be viewed here.