Sports clubs’ funding boost

The Minister of State for Tourism and Sport, Michael Ring, has announced almost €26 million in new funding for local sporting clubs and societies nationwide, with just over €1 million being allocated to the Dublin Fingal region.
The announcement was made on Sunday, December 2, as part of the Sports Capital Grant. Fine Gael TD for Dublin Fingal, Alan Farrell, welcomed the announcement, saying it was “terrific news” for local clubs and the local economy.
“I am delighted by this announcement from Minister Ring,” said Farrell. “It has been many years since the last round of sports capital grants and many clubs across Fingal have been desperately short of funds in these tough economic times.
“The announcement will be a terrific boost for clubs across the north county, and will also be very significant in terms of our local economy. We all know that playing sports is not only good for your health and well being, but it is a great way for children to learn different sports and give them opportunities to excel in a course of their choice.”
In advance of the funding announcement, 2,170 applications were received by the Government, the highest-ever number of applications to be submitted. The applicants sought a total of €229 million in funding and a total of €25,894,332 (almost €26 million) was allocated. A further €4 million will be made available to national and regional projects in the coming weeks.
While the news was also welcomed by local TD, Brendan Ryan, who said he was “thrilled” for the local clubs who were successful in their applications, he said that there were still a number of disappointed clubs across the county: “A lot of clubs in Fingal were not awarded much-needed funding and I hope that further Capital Grant schemes can be made within the lifetime of this government.”
Clubs in the Malahide area set to receive funding include the Malahide Basketball Club, Malahide Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, Malahide United AFC, Malahide Rugby Football Club, the Portmarnock AFC, Portmarnock Sports and Leisure Club and the Portmarnock Sub Aqua Club.
There were fewer clubs in the Swords region allocated funding, with just the Aer Lingus Divers, Swimming Club and Tennis Club allocated funds, along with the Hokubu Dojo and the Swords Sailing and Boating Club.
Local Swords councillor Darragh Butler (FF) expressed his disappointment following the funding announcement. He said that the Swords Sailing and Boating Club deserved more than the allocated €23,539 it received.
“When you look at the amount of grant money going to Malahide and Portmarnock in comparison, there is real anger and frustration out there in Swords, Donabate and other parts of Dublin Fingal. Swords certainly feels very let down and over-shadowed by our near neighbours once again.”