Wednesday, 3rd July 2014

Fine Gael Dun Laoghire Deputy Mary Mitchell O’Connor TD has welcomed today’s announcement that 16 clubs in Dun Laoghire will benefit from this year’s Sports Capital Programme, receiving € 1,159,311 in total. Deputy Mary Mitchell O’Connor was speaking as Minister for Sport, Michael Ring TD, announced a total of €40.5 million in new funding for 880 sports community projects nationwide.  This represents a 33% increase on the last round of the Sports Capital Programme and brings the total figure granted since this Government came into office to €85 million.

“The announcement of € 1,159,311 in Sports Capital Programme funding for Dun Laoghire is really great news.

“Local clubs and groups to benefit include:

■Blackrock Bowling & Tennis Club

■Blackrock College Rugby Football Club

■Cuala GAA

■Curragh Sun Aqua Club

■Dalkey Scubadivers

■De Vesci Lawn Tennis Club

■ Avoca Hockey Club/ Dominican College, Sion Hill

■Foxrock Cabinteely GAA Club

■Kilmacud Crokes GAA Club

■Monkstown Hockey Club/Rathdown School

■Sailing in Dublin Club

■Shankill Bowling Club

■St. Michael’s Rowing Club

■The National Yacht Club

■Trojan Gymnastic Club

■Trojan Swimming Club

“The last Government scrapped the Sports Capital Programme. Having reinstated the Programme when we came into office, this Government is demonstrating that despite limited finances, we are determined to invest in local facilities, which are the lifeblood of communities across Ireland.

“The Government understands the importance of the work carried out by sports clubs and organisations in our communities and funding such as this helps them do this vital work. It assists clubs to build or improve their facilities and also enables them to buy much needed sports equipment. This in turn increases their capacity to cater to larger numbers of local people.

“The more people we get involved playing sport, the better for the country’s overall physical and mental health. We particularly want to encourage more young people to get involved in sport, and start the good habits of a lifetime early.

“Aside from promoting good health, sport also has a really valuable community development function. Sport brings local people together in towns and villages across the country, fostering a sense of solidarity in communities.

“Unfortunately, due to the huge demand for the Programme, not all clubs and organisations who applied were successful this year. I encourage any clubs who have been disappointed to reapply for the next round of funding.

“I am delighted that Dun Laoghaire is to benefit from this year’s Sports Capital Programme and I know that it will be of real benefit to the local people right across the county.”