Sport in Galway city got a major boost this week through a local sports grant facility which was incorporated into the Galway City Council budget for the first time.
The council’s budget - which was agreed on Monday evening - includes a figure of €70,000 for a scheme to be operated by City Hall which will provide grants to sports groups which are successful in their applications.
Cllr John Connolly, who originally called for the introduction of such a scheme, welcomed its inclusion in the budget.
“Sports clubs throughout the city are providing an exceptional service. They provide for the social, recreational, and health needs of the youth of the city,” he said. “I see this as a small gesture towards assisting clubs with their day to day running costs.”
Cllr Connolly said the proposal will put a structure on how the council provides funding to sports clubs. His colleague Cllr Michael J Crowe said it should lead to clubs going further into the community in an attempt to increase their membership and widen their activities.
Cllr Mary Leahy said the sports grant facility will take the financial pressure off clubs and enable them to concentrate on coaching skills to young participants.
