Minister for Disabilities and Fianna Fáil TD for Galway East, Anne Rabbitte, has welcomed funding of over €16,733,690 million for new and improved sports facilities and equipment throughout Galway under the Community Sport Facilities Fund, formerly the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme.
Announced on Wednesday, the money will fund the provision of a wide variety of initiatives, including grounds maintenance machinery, equipment, gyms, pitch resurfacing, lighting, and capital projects such as new dressing rooms and gyms. The funding is spread across a wide variety of sports, from GAA to golf, from tennis to Camóige and from rugby to running, among others. The full national amount provided totals €230 million. Combined with May’s allocation of €26m for sports equipment, the grants bring the total investment in community sport and recreation in 2024 to an unprecedented €256 million, the largest-ever investment in sports facilities nationwide,
Welcoming the funding for Galway today, Minister Rabbitte said the 2024 Sports Capital Grants represent a significant investment in Galway’s sports infrastructure, benefiting a wide array of clubs and organisations across all age groups. This funding will greatly enhance facilities throughout Galway’s communities, underscoring the vital role that sports play in every corner of the county. These clubs and organisations are the lifeblood of many communities, bringing people together and fostering a sense of unity.
“It’s fantastic to see Galway clubs receiving funding for projects of regional importance, which highlights the scale and ambition of the developments underway. I’m particularly pleased to see some of the projects that I have been working to advance getting over the line, including Moanbaun in Athenry, a collaborative effort between Athenry FC and Athenry Athletics Clubs, advancing with an allocation of €343,500, while Portumna Town FC are set to receive €164,768, for works on their clubhouse, the installation of LED lighting and a caged hardcourt, while Kinvara Hockey Club have also been sanctioned €443,700 to develop a 2G Multisport pitch.
“Meanwhile, a plethora of clubs, schools and other organisations across the county have also received funding, such as €170,259 for Creggs Rugy Club for the refurbishment of their dressing rooms and showers, toilets and to make the Club more accessible, €136,713 has been earmarked for Kilchreest National School and St Thomas GAA’s joint bid, €110,055 for Mountbellew-Moylough GAA Club for their Sports Hall energy upgrade and Construction of a Gym, as well as Monivea/Abbey GAA who are to receive €130,186 for pitch irrigation, seeding and ground development. Having missed out the last time, I’m delighted to see Portumna GAA are receiving €174,411 to upgrade their main pitch and juvenile pitch, while Tuam Stars GAA will receive €191,172.
“I have been working closely with my Fianna Fáil colleague and Minister for Sport, Thomas Byrne, to ensure Galway secures its fair share of funding. Today’s announcement is a testament to our efforts. Having had Minister Byrne visit a number of clubs in Galway, he witnessed firsthand the dedication and hard work being put into strengthening clubs and organisations across the county. He understands the significance of this funding and the impact it will have. Kudos to the clubs and the individuals behind the applications. Navigating the paperwork and processes to get these projects approved is no small feat, and I’m sure many clubs are breathing a sigh of relief today.
“We were all glued to the Olympics and Paralympics this summer and they were a great reminder of the importance and benefits of sport and physical activity. The government’s overall investment of €256 million this year in sports grants reflects this government’s commitment to ensure clubs and organisations can provide the facilities necessary to support communities across Galway. Such funding undoubtedly helps develop our athletes into the future and propel them to greater levels, whether locally, nationally or even internationally,” concluded Minister Rabbitte.
All unsuccessful applicants will be given the opportunity to appeal the Department’s decision and information on the appeal process will issue to relevant organisations in the coming weeks.
