Some 15 sporting clubs and organisations across the county are to benefit from over €450,000 of funding under the Government’s Sports Capital Programme.
The largest amounts of funding in the county have been allocated to Garrycastle GAA Club, Mullingar Shamrocks, and Multy Community Centre, each of which are to receive funding of €90,000 towards improving their facilities.
Other beneficiaries of the funding included Athlone GAA Club who will receive €30,465; Moate Community School and Moate All Whites €27,000; Moate Celtic Football Club €24,000; Mullingar Harriers and Athletic Club €25,000; and Milltownpass Community Action Group €20,000.
Crookedwood GAA Hurling Club and Raharney Utd Soccer Club have been allocated sums of €15,000 each, while Castlepollard Hurling Club is to receive €10,000 and Caulry GAA €9,000.
Finally, Midland Warriors RFC has been allocated €6,000; Mullingar Cricket Club €4,000; and Athlone Boxing Club €3,500.
Nationally, a total of €26 million in funding for local sports projects was announced by Minister of State for Tourism & Sport, Michael Ring, the first round of sports capital funding in four years. Further allocations of €4 million will be made to national and regional projects in the coming weeks.
New criteria were introduced for this year’s programme with a particular emphasis on clubs in disadvantaged areas.
Speaking at the announcement Minister Ring, said, “I am excited about the allocations being made today. These allocations will benefit people in every county by giving them more opportunities to get involved in sport, whatever their ability. This funding will allow a diverse array of sports clubs and groups to build and improve much-needed facilities, or to purchase sports equipment.”
The funding for Westmeath projects was welcomed by Deputy Nicky McFadden this week.
“The idea behind the Sports Capital Programme is to promote and encourage the development of sports and physical recreation facilities in local areas. The funding is specifically designed to assist voluntary and community organisations to develop high quality, safe, and sustainable facilities.
“I hope that the funding allocated by Minister Ring to Westmeath will prove beneficial to local communities and will encourage more participation in sports and physical recreation. I know from personal experience that so many people volunteer their time and effort to help out in clubs across Westmeath. Those people are invaluable to our community. Hopefully this funding will help them in their day to day and longer term activities,” said Deputy McFadden.
