Sports clubs across Galway are to receive a €15 million slice of the half billion euro sports funding pie announced by government ministers this week.
The overall figure for Galway is €16.7 million when previously announced sports grants are included. The government announced national grants of €250m for sports equipment, and almost €250m for facilities in one of the biggest indicators yet than an election looms in the next two months.
Leisureland in Salthill, and a new synthetic sports pitch in Castle Park, Ballybane, are the biggest beneficiaries, with €500,000 allocated to each under regional sports funding. A rugby pitch in Kingston (€411,000 ), hockey pitch at Millers Lane (€387,000 ), and Terryland Community Development (€234,000 ) are other major recipients in the city, alongside floodlighting and a games area in Renmore, and renovated lighting for Pearse Stadium.
Across Galway city and its outlying areas, a wide array of sporting and community organisations have been allocated monies, or are now awarded new funding, with a 50 per cent increase since 2020.
Galway City Council is to receive €110,000 for fitness equipment, including pickleball. The city’s local authority is also earmarked to receive €145,000 for the Doughiska Skate Park refurbishment, and €129,000 for flood lighting at the Doughiska pitches nearby.
Expenditure for the Renmore pitches will soak up €141,000 of grants. The Cluain Mhuire athletics field is awarded €56,000, with a further €62,000 for toilets there. Westside Community Centre is to receive €98,000 for new flooring. The city council will also receive grants for toilet facilities at Corrib Park (€70,000 ), Laurel Park (€50,000 ), and McGrath’s Field (€66,000 ).
The Galway Hookers Association is to receive €107,000 for new rowing boats, while Galway Hooker Sailing Club is due €30,000 for a new safety boat. Galway City Sailing Club is also to receive €46,000 for new safety boats and other craft. Galway Rowing Club has €34,000 for solar panels.
St Joseph’s scout troop is to receive €4,000 for boats, while Galway Sea Scouts are due €48,000 for gym equipment.
Barna GAA is getting €86,000 for its club house, with Castlegar GAA netting €104,000 for its facilities. Rahoon Newcastle has €116,000 to enhance all amenities, while Salthill Knocknacarra GAA Club is promised €137,000 to renovate its clubhouse.
Galway Lawn Tennis Club was awarded €116,000 to fund an accessible court area.
Ballinfoyle Castlegar bowls club has an €18,000 grant. Galway Archers are to receive separate grants totalling more than €10,000 for new equipment. Galway Bay Cycling Club has pedalled up €38,000.
Galway Sub Aqua Club and the Galway Triathalon Club are to share €75,000 for club improvement and equipment.
The NUIG Veterans ‘Full Shilling’ hockey club was awarded €6,000 for new gear. Olympic Boxing Club is to get €25,000, while Galway Boxing Club gets €38,000.
Renmore AFC is to receive €32,000, with Renmore Gymnastics getting €34,000. Swimworld in Renmore is awarded €122,000 for equipment and energy works.
The ARD Family Resource Centre in Ballybane is getting €12,000 for a sports amenity.
Mellows Pitch & Putt is to get €16,000 toward an irrigation project.
Some of the major investments across County Galway are Ballinasloe Town AFC (€186,000 ), and Creggs RFC (€170,000 ). Claregalway GAA is to receive €154,000 to upgrade its Lakeview pitches.
