More than €220,000 has been granted to sporting bodies in the Galway West constituency under the Government’s Sports Capital (Equipment Only ) Scheme. This is separate to the non-equipment Sports Capital Grants, which will be announced in September.
Dep Hildegarde Naughton, who is a keen runner, this week welcomed the funding.
“I have been in contact with the Minister for Sport, Brendan Griffin, over recent months to ensure Galway got a fair share of these grants,” Deputy Naughton said. “They are vital to ensuring these organisations can go on providing sporting and recreational opportunities to the people of Galway.
“I am particularly happy to see that the 24th Galway Sea Scouts have been awarded €21,275 in funding to purchase a new safety boat. I know only too well the value of such an award for all the young people taking advantage of our wonderful Galway Bay.
“Galway City Sailing Club, with whom I have worked previously to obtain Sports Capital Funding, has received €12,611 in order to allay the cost of dinghy fleet replacement.
“Everyone is entitled to attain their potential, and I am therefore very pleased to see Galway Speeders receive €28,000 in order to ensure that people with disabilities experience quality physical activity/sport.
“I am also very pleased to see that Galway Swimming Club, where people from Galway have learned to swim for over 80 years, has received €16,902 in funding,” she added.
Successful applicants for funding in Galway also included Galway Sports Partnership (€6,781 ), Cumann Slat Iascaigh Chasla agus An Cheathru Rua (€4,429 ), Connemara Golf Club (€100,556 ), Club Judo an Cheathrú Rua (€6,831 ), SCCUL Enterprise CLG (€20,501 ), Galway Community Circus (€23,757 ), 14th St Patrick’s Scout Group (€7,086 ), Predator Triathlon Club (€14,734 ), Galway Hockey Club (€3,498 ), and Galway Sub Aqua Club (€3,495 ).
“The top 75 per cent of applications were successful on this occasion and those not successful this time may appeal the decision to the Department,” Deputy Naughton added.
“These grants were required for the continuation of the excellent sporting opportunities available to the people of Galway. The vast majority of the organisations selected are run on a voluntary basis by dedicated local people. I therefore very much welcome the awarding of funding as a way in which Government can show that all their hard work is appreciated.”