Michael Ring, Minister of State for Tourism and Sport, has announced €1,325,307 in funding for local sports projects across the county. Minister of State Ring made the announcement yesterday (Thursday, October 8 ) as part of the national programme which saw €41 million handed out to 891 organisations nationally.
Speaking after the announcement Deputy Ring said, "I am delighted to be in a position to announce another round of the Sports Capital Programme in my tenure as Minister of State for Tourism and Sport. This is the third round of the Sports Capital Programme. These allocations will again benefit people in every county by giving them more opportunities to get involved in sport. This funding will allow a diverse array of sports clubs and groups to build and improve much-needed facilities, or to purchase sports equipment.”
He added: "There were 71 applications received in Mayo and three regional applications in Mayo. Of the 71 applications received, 49 were valid and 22 were invalid. 36 of the valid applications received funding.”
An Taoiseach Enda Kenny also welcomed the announcement saying that he was very glad that the Government was able to increase the allocation for Sports Capital Grants this year to €41 million. He thanked Minister Ring for all his work on the scheme and the effort he had put in to spread the benefits across Mayo and the country. He added: "The Sports Capital Programme is vital for communities across Ireland and I am delighted that we as a Government have been able to allocate the money this year. I want to thank Minister Ring who has worked very closely with me and deputies across the country on this funding which will give much needed funds to clubs and organisations across the country."
Thirteen groups received funding of more than €50,00 for projects. Achill GAA received €65,000, An Sportlann (Ballinrobe ) recieved €60,000, Ballina RFC recieved €55,000, Ballintubber GAA recieved €70,000, Barnacarroll Area Development Company received €65,000, Burrishoole Community Partnership received €70,000, Claremorris GAA and Claremorris Handball both received €50,000, Tourmakeady GAA received €60,000, Kilmeena GAA recieved €80,000, Kiltane GAA Complex recieved €70,000, Swinford Amenities Devlopment received €50,000, and Turasoireacht Iorras Teo received €60,000.
The groups that received funding were Achill GAA, Aghamore GAA, An Sportlann (Ballinrobe ), Ardagh GAA, Ardnaree GAA, Ardnaree Boxing Club, Ballina RFC, Ballinrobe Golf Club, Ballintubber GAA, Ballyhaunis Boxing Club, Barnacarroll Area Development Company, Bellacragher Bay Boat Club, Burrishoole Community Partnership, Castlebar Boxing Club, Claremorris GAA, Claremorris Handball Club, Claremorris Lawn Tennis Club, Tourmakeady GAA, Comharchumann Forbartha Ionad Deirbhile Eachleim Teo, Crossmolina AFC, Cunga Cycling and Triathlon Club, Davitts GAA, Grainne Uaile Sub Aqua Club, Kilalla GAA, Kilmeena GAA, Kiltane GAA Community Complex, Liquid Motion Triathlon Club, Louisburgh GAA Club, Manulla Sporting Club Ltd, Mayo County Council, Moy Valley Freestyle Martial Arts Club, Naionra Bhaile Chruaich Teo, Parke Keelogues Crimlin GAA, Swinford Amenities Development Ltd, Tooreen Hurling Club, Turasoireacht Iorras Teo, and Westport Tennis Club,