Almost €600k to fund local sports projects

A TOTAL of €562,929 will be allocated to 12 sports projects in Dublin West, as part of the new national Sports Capital Programme.
This total is part of a new €26 million funding for local sports projects nationwide, which was announced by Minister of State for Tourism and Sport, Michael Ring, on Monday, December 3.
This year’s round of the programme is the first round of the programme since 2008. New criteria were introduced for this year’s programme, with a particular emphasis on clubs in disadvantaged areas.
A total of €11,163 will be allocated to Castleknock Celtic FC, €25,000 to Coolmine Gymnastics Club, €159,045 to Coolmine RFC, €13,428 to St Margaret’s GAA Club, €172,752 to Ongar Community Centre, €48,000 to St Catherine’s Park, €29,146 to Phoenix Cricket Club, €40,328 to St Brigid’s GAA Club, €18,040 to St Mochta’s Football Club, €22,783 to St Oliver Plunkett Eoghan Ruadh GAA Club, €5,000 to Tyrrellstown GAA Club, and €18,244 to Westmanstown Gaels/Garda GAA Club.
“This funding will help people throughout the constituency by giving them more opportunities to get involved in sport, whatever their ability. In times like this when resources are stretched, financial support is even more significant,” said local TD and Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport, Leo Varadkar.
In a statement, Minister Varadkar explained that funding could not be provided to nine other local clubs or projects as the applications were ineligible. However, he said his Department propose to have another round of funding in the next year or so, and all clubs and local authorities would be entitled to apply.
Councillor David McGuinness (FF), said: “I welcome the news for the clubs who were successful and want to congratulate them. However, there are many more local clubs who will be deeply disappointed.”
Local TD and Minister for Social Protection, Joan Burton,said: “This funding will allow a diverse array of sports clubs and groups to build and improve much needed facilities, or to purchase sports equipment.”