Local TD and Government Chief Whip, Hildegarde Naughton, has revealed that three clubs in Galway are to receive €25,000 each under the Governments Walking Tracks Initiative.
This scheme, which Minister Naughton introduced while Minister of State in the Department of Health, promotes increased physical activity among all ages by supporting clubs to upgrade walking tracks to improve accessibility for people with mobility issues such as older persons and wheelchair users.
The clubs in Galway West in receipt of funding are Salthill Devon FC, CFCD/Colga FC, and Corinthians RFC.
“One of the key elements of the project is to encourage clubs to make their facilities available to non-playing members. The provision of walking tracks is particularly important in rural areas where safe, well-lit walking routes may be limited so I am particularly pleased to see both rural and more urban clubs in Galway benefit from this funding announcement,” the Minister said.
“Research indicates that communities that participate in sport and recreation develop strong social bonds, are safer places and the people who live in them are generally healthier and happier than places where physical activity isn’t a priority.
"This highlights the importance of Government spending of this nature and comes on the back of significant sports capital allocations to Galway clubs in recent weeks,” Minister Naughton noted.
“Having visited the clubs involved and knowing the passion and enthusiasm of their membership, I am particularly please to see them benefit from this funding announcement. I look forward to visiting them again soon and seeing the improvements made," she said.
