Independent Deputy for Galway West, Noel Grealish TD has welcomed funding for Galway of €20.4m under the Large Scale Sports Infrastructure Fund.
‘The funding was committed following intensive negotiations with the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Shane Ross over the past number of weeks and a number of meetings with senior Ministers and An Taoiseach,’ said Deputy Grealish.
‘This is a significant investment in Galway and the west of Ireland and will provide modern sporting facilities to cater for growing demand.’
‘The funding consists of €10m for Connacht Rugby towards the historic redevelopment of the sportsground, which will provide for a modern rugby stadium and state of the art facilities.’
€2.1m will be provided for the Renville Sports Ground Development, which is a joint venture between Oranmore Maree GAA Club, Oranmore Camogie Club and Oranmore Maree Ladies Football Club. This is an ambitious project to provide sporting and community facilities to cater for the growing population of the area. This project will involve the provision of an all-weather pitch, sand-based pitches, training areas, a walking track, clubhouse and many more facilities.’
"€8.3m will be provided for the Galway Regional Aquatic and Fitness Centre, which will involve the construction of an International Short Course Event Pool and an International Standard Water Polo Pitch and it will be a national and regional training centre.’
"I have been working closely with the Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport Shane Ross for the past number of months on these projects and to ensure that the maximum amount could be secured for Galway.
"While it is disappointing that Connacht Rugby did not get the full €20million they requested, I am committed to seeking further funds for Connacht Rugby over the next two years," he said
