Local TD and Government Chief Whip, Hildegarde Naughton, has welcomed the announcement that there will be a significant increase in the amount of funding available under the Sports Capital Programme this year.
€250 million will be available for what will be the largest ever investment in sports facilities across the country, as all Galway clubs with valid applications are set to benefit.
Minister Naughton said: “This funding available represents a 50% increase on the funding allocated in early 2022 under the 2020 round of the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme. It should mean positive allocation decisions for all valid applications in Galway under the 2023 Programme.”
Since 1998, more than 13,000 projects have benefited from sports capital funding, bringing the total allocations in that time to approximately €1.15 billion. It is generally accepted that the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme has transformed the sporting landscape of Ireland with improvements in the quality and quantity of sporting facilities in virtually every village, town and city.
“Having worked with many clubs in Galway in previous years and, again, working with clubs with a pending application for this year, I know the value of this programme to sports organisations, their members and athletes. This funding is invaluable in terms of developing and improving sporting facilities throughout County Galway,” Minister Naughton said.
“Given the increase in funding this year, it should mean positive allocation decisions for all valid applications in Galway under the current 2023 Programme, which I know will be good news for all our Galway clubs,” the Minister added.
“All the available research points to the substantial positive impact of sport and physical activity on the physical and mental health on our population. It means preventing obesity, cardiac disease and a myriad of other health issues as well as contributing to positive mental health.
“Providing State funding to ensure that sporting facilities are modern and fit for purpose is, effectively, preventative medicine for the population and I therefore very much welcome this significant increase in the funds available,” said Naughton.
