Michael Ring T.D., Minister for Rural and Community Development, has approved the allocation of €118,385 for sports hubs and sports partnerships in Mayo.
The funding has been allocated through the Dormant Accounts Fund under the Department of Rural and Community Development. Ballinrobe and Ballyhaunis are among the areas to benefit. The Partnership encourages greater participation in recreational sport in Mayo.
€35,000 has been approved for the Ballinrobe Sports Hub and €20,000 has been approved for the Ballyhaunis Sports Hub, both of which are part of the Mayo Sports Partnership.
Ballinrobe and Ballyhaunis Sports Hubs provide information, support and advice on a wide range of sports and physical activities to make it easier for people in disadvantaged areas to get involved and to engage in a more active and healthier lifestyle.
In addition, funding has been allocated to Mayo Sports Partnership under the following headings: (1 ) Urban Outdoor Adventure Initiatives, €33,885, (2 ) Sports Inclusion Disability Programme Capital Supports, €10,000, (3 ) Volunteer Training & Support Programme, €9,000 and Youth Leadership €10,500.
Minister Ring said: "I am delighted to be able to approve €118,385 through my Department for sports hubs and partnerships in Mayo including in Ballinrobe and Ballyhaunis. Sporting activity provides huge benefits to the individual and the community in terms of physical and mental health, social amenity and community spirit.
"These funds will encourage greater participation in sport in our county and I have no doubt that Mayo Local Sports Partnership will do an excellent job in ensuring that this funding is put to good use.
"In my time as Minister for Sports and Tourism I put a huge amount of time and energy into ensuring that the Government fully supported community sports. I’m glad to be able to continue to support sport in Mayo in my current role as Minister for Rural and Community Development. Sport is part of the glue that binds our communities together and this funding represents very good value for money in terms of Government investment.”
Minister Ring praised Mayo Sports Partnership for its ongoing work: “Mayo Sports Partnership has to be commended on its promotion of recreational sport to all members of society regardless of age, location or ability.
"It provides adult participation programmes, children’s sporting initiatives and is a major driver of women’s participation in sport and physical activity in the county. The Partnerships understand the issues at a local level and are operated by people who understand what is required in the area. I am delighted to see that the Partnership concept is continuing to work so effectively at national and local level. This, of course, is evidenced by the great work being done by all those involved with Mayo Sports Partnership.”
