Fianna Fáil TD for Galway East and Minister for Disability, Anne Rabbitte, has welcomed the allocation of €3.3 million to St Jarlath's in Tuam and Kinvara Hockey Club as part of the Large Scale Sports Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF ).
A total of €2 million has been allocated to St Jarlath's in Tuam to develop a full-size 4G, floodlit, all-weather synthetic pitch, redevelopment of the existing grass training pitches into a full-size grass playing pitch, and a sports pavilion. Meanwhile, Kinvara Hockey Club has been granted €1.3 million for the development of a regional FIH certified (national standard ) hockey/multisport pitch with adjoining 2G multi-use games area, as well as fencing, floodlighting, tennis and Bocce Courts.
The two Galway projects are part of €173 million in grants to 35 projects across Ireland announced on Monday, which is a record allocation under the LSSIF and follows record funding announced under the Community Sport Facilities Fund in September.
Minister Rabbitte said she is absolutely thrilled to welcome this significant funding of €3.3 million for St. Jarlath's and Kinvara Hockey Club under the Large Scale Sports Infrastructure Fund. This investment represents a transformative moment for both organisations, providing vital resources to enhance facilities, nurture young talent, and promote sport in Galway.
“For St. Jarlath's, this €2 million funding will be instrumental in expanding the offering at the historic school, with the development of a full-size 4G, floodlit, all-weather synthetic pitch, as well as upgrading the existing grass training pitches into a full-size grass playing pitch, and the construction of a sports pavilion. I ensured that the Minister for Sport Thomas Byrne met with the Principal, John Kelly, to discuss the plans, alongside former student and Managing Partner at DHKN Chartered Accountants Proinsias Kitt, as well as Helen O'Rourke, CEO of the Ladies Gaelic Football Association.
"It was so important for this development to be dual use so we're not only supporting the development of young men but also supporting our young women in sport. It's a real step change. 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.
“At Kinvara, the €1.3 million funding will see the long called for development of a hockey/multisport pitch on the Moy Road. The whole of the Kinvara community has been pushing for this project, and indeed some of the Club, including Aileen Cullinane, Senior Coach, Fiona Rodgers, Chairperson, Annemarie O’Shaughnessy, Treasurer, and Deirdre Mongan, met with the Tánaiste, Micheál Martin, over the weekend to discuss the project. It’s simply a fantastic day for hockey in Galway," she added.
