Sports clubs in Westmeath are to benefit to the tune of over half a millon euros in grants, under the Sports Capital Programme 2014.
A total of €574,645 in sports capital grants was announced by Minister Michael Ring yesterday, with the largest allocations going to Athlone Boat Club and Mullingar Rugby Club which are to receive sums of €115,000 and €110,000 respectively.
Among the activities to benefit from the funding are GAA, rugby, and soccer clubs, as well as cycling, boxing, sub aqua, and triathlon clubs.
The following clubs are also to benefit from funding: Athlone Sub Aqua Club Ltd €15,000; Ballinagore GAA Club €28,000; Ballinahown FC €17,000; Ballynacargy GAA Club €45,345; Killucan GAA €20,000; Killucan Ladies Football Club €800; Lakeside Wheelers Cycling Club €20,000; Midland Triathlon Club €10,000; Midland Warriors RFC €12,000; Moate Boxing Club €8,000; Mullingar Elite BC €5,000; Mullingar Kyokushinkai Karate Club €500; Mullingar Sub Aqua Club €17,000; Mullingar Tennis & Badminton Club €37,000; Multy Community Centre €20,000; Raharney GAA €40,000; Rosemount Community Committee €18,000; Shannonside Stealers €8,000; St Marys, Rochfortbridge €10,000; and Willow Park FC €18,000.
Labour’s Deputy Willie Penrose welcomed the Westmeath allocations, which he said were “an important boost for local organisations and their communities, who are trying to raise finances in difficult times”.
“I would like to warmly congratulate local clubs that have been successful in their applications. I was glad to support many of their applications. These clubs are all voluntarily run, and are critical in providing important recreational infrastructure and facilities in their areas, that can be easily accessed by the wider community... The benefits deriving therefrom are manifold, and active involvement of the people in sports and recreational pursuits of whatever nature, leads to a healthy and contented lifestyle.”
He said that by delivering this funding for sports facilities and equipment, the Government was “putting its money where its mouth is, and showing its commitment to encourage more people to take part in sport”.
“While I am disappointed for those clubs that have missed out, I have no doubt that these grants will allow the successful clubs to enhance and complete their facilities for sport participants at all levels,” he added.
