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€7.2m funding for the new basketball arena at St Oliver’s Community College in Drogheda is 'fantastic news'
It is just one of four clubs in the region to benefit from €173m in grants to 35 projects across Ireland
Reporter:
Reporter
04 Nov 2024 6:30 PM
Fianna Fáil candidate for Louth and Meath East Alison Comyn says €7.2m funding for the new basketball arena at St Oliver’s Community College in Drogheda is fantastic news for local clubs and for inclusivity and equality in sport in the region.
It is just one of four clubs in the region to benefit from €173m in grants to 35 projects across Ireland announced by Minister of State for Sport, Physical Education and the Gaeltacht, Thomas Byrne T.D.
Also receiving funding under the the Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF) are Seafield for Laytown United FC with €2.3 million for astro pitch and an eight-Lane running track and Multi Use Games Area, as well as €1m for new pitches at St. Colmcilles GAA Club.
“For many of these clubs, this is long overdue funding to make much-needed improvements to facilities which serve hundreds of athletes of all ages and backgrounds,” says Comyn.
“It is great to see a variety of sports receiving funding, as often focus is put on one or two particular sports, with smaller groups or more niche disciplines losing out.”
This is a record allocation under the Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund, which follows record funding announced under the Community Sport Facilities Fund, which Comyn says shows the Government’s continued commitment to investing in sports facilities.
A new “use it or lose it” funding rule has been introduced to ensure the most effective spend and there is a new requirement to ensure similar access for women and men to all sports facilities.
“These are two new elements I’m especially glad to see introduced, so that women have the same advantages and facilities as their male players and athletes, and money which had been granted and not drawn down is not lost, and can be given to organisations who will make good use of it,” adds Comyn.
Other projects, which have applied will be placed on a reserve list and will be funded when funding becomes available
“This funding underscores our commitment as a Government to seeing sport prosper in communities across Ireland. The major sports projects funded under this round of the Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund encompass a wide variety of sports and activities, reflecting the varied sporting interests of communities nationwide. From multi-sport complexes to specialised facilities for individual sports, these investments aim to cater to the needs of athletes, clubs, and local communities, said Minister Byrne at the announcement on Monday morning.
“Inclusivity in sports is paramount and thanks to the implementation of the new Similar Access Requirement, we have ensured that women and men will enjoy similar access to all sports facilities, which are publicly funded."
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