Five Offaly projects receive €150k each in sports capital grants
Over €2.7m has been announced in Sports Capital Grants today for sports clubs and organisations in Offaly.
The largest allocations of €150,000 were announced for projects at four Offaly GAA clubs: Ballyskenach/Killavilla, Birr, Tullamore and Clonbullogue and for a Moneygall Community Clubhouse project by Moneygall Development Association Ltd.
Other big local beneficiaries under the latest allocations included St Marys Secondary School Edenderry which received €149,190 for phase 2 of a sports development plan andKilleigh Community Centre Development Association which received 149,769 for a multifunctional sports complex,
Fianna Fáil TD for Laois-Offaly Barry Cowen welcomed the announcement of what he described as a “bumper” Sports Capital grant for Offaly, which was part of a record nationwide allocation of €150m announced by Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin and Minister of State for the Gaeltacht and Sport, Jack Chambers.
The Sports Capital and Equipment Programme is the primary vehicle for Government support for the development of sports and recreation facilities and the purchase of non-personal sports equipment throughout the country.
Welcoming the announcement Deputy Cowen commented, "I’m delighted to see such a strong investment in grassroots sports from this Government, and particularly happy to see such a strong investment in the constituency.
"I’ve been engaging closely with both Minister Chambers and local clubs to ensure the best possible outcome for Offaly. It is great to see crowds back at big sporting events in recent weeks but our key focus is to get as many people participating as possible.
“I'm delighted to see such a strong focus in supporting grassroots sport in communities. Volunteer clubs in towns and villages across the county will be able to deliver really important projects aimed at improving participation across the board, providing enhanced facilities for clubs with strong female participation and supporting clubs active in disadvantaged communities.
"The record level funding allocation announced today was achieved with the support of my party colleague and Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Michael McGrath. It reflects Government’s ongoing support to sport during the pandemic as it emerges from the challenges of the past two years.
"It also reflects the funding challenges facing clubs across the country and the vital role that sport plays in supporting community and individual wellbeing, a role that came into sharp focus during the pandemic.''
Minister of State Pippa Hackett welcomed the funding, which amounts to over €9m across the midlands with Laois and Westmeath each receiving €3.3m on top of Offaly's €2.7m
“The people who run sports organisations are primarily volunteers providing an extraordinary service and deserve to be fully supported in their efforts,” she said.
“As a runner myself, I know that sporting activity is crucial to our physical, mental and social wellbeing. As we emerge from restrictions, we need this activity more than ever.
“These grants will go towards changing rooms, pitches, tracks, lighting and facilities that we need to keep our sports activities going. Clubs have worked hard to apply for these grants and they can rightly celebrate. Unsuccessful applicants will have the opportunity to appeal and I would encourage them to do so.”
“Over 30 sports and activities are represented, ranging from competitive, track and field games right through to walking.
“I want to thank all of the volunteers associated with these clubs for their tireless work and their commitment to improving their facilities to benefit all members.”
Laois/Offaly TD Fine Gael TD, Charlie Flanagan also welcomed the funding. He said: “This important Government funding will greatly benefit sports clubs across Offaly over the coming year. The Sports Capital Programme was re-instated by Fine Gael in 2012, and is a real lifeline for teams, clubs and organisations here in Offaly.”
Cllr Mark Hackett said: “As a sports enthusiast I'm delighted to see this investment come to the Edenderry Municipal Area. Not only does it improve facilities but it creates and maintains jobs and is a boost to the local economy. Well done to all the clubs and organisations - I know there is a lot of hard work behind every application.”
The full list of Offaly allocations is:
The list is of clubs, projects and allocations in euros.
REGIONAL CAPITAL ALLOCATIONS
Tullamore Harriers Athletic Club
Phase 2 Tullamore Harriers Upgrade – Astro Pitch
140,099
LOCAL CAPITAL ALLOCATIONS
Ballinagar GAA
Fit out new Gym with equipment and furnishings.
22,621
Ballinamere GAA Club
Ballinamere GAA Club Development Project Phase3
35,307
Ballyskenagh/ Killavilla GAA Club
Ballyskenagh/ Killavilla GAA Club
150,000
Birr GAA Club
Ball Wall & All Weather Astro (40 x 20 metres)
150,000
Birr Golf Club
Drainage project and machinery purchase
16,983
Birr Rugby Football Club
Upgrading of training area and flood lights
133,190
Birr Town Soccer Club
Renovation to dressing rooms. Mobile goalposts
33,467
Birr Wilmer Tennis Club
Toilets & Resurface of mini courts
36,000
CCM Racing Club
Safe, Accessible and Benign Motocross Racing
9,586
Clonbullogue gaa club
Clonbullogue GAA sports Gym and equipment fit out
150,000
Clonmore Harps GAA Club
Clonmore Harps Strategic Development Phased Plan
62,128
Coolderry GAA
Upgrade Works to Community Changing Areas
25,378
Daingean GAA
Refurbishment of Dressing rooms
73,013
Edenderry GAA
Edenderry GAA LED Floodlights
140,000
Edenderry Golf Club
Install efficient environmental sprinkler system
52,598
Edenderry Town Football Club
Floodlight upgrades & training pitch development.
52,086
Gallen United FC
Gallen Utd Lighting & Pitch Development
15,922
Gracefield GAA
Construction of new flood lit walking track
12,207
Irish Parachute Club Limited
Toilets Refurbishment
59,911
Kilcormac/Killoughey GAA
KilcormacKilloughey GAA Equipment Purchase
21,836
Killeigh Community Centre Development Association
Multifunctional sports complex
149,769
Killeigh School Boys/Girls Soccer Club Company Ltd by Guarantee
Equipment to furnish 2 new playing pitches
33,664
Kinnitty GAA Club
Renovate old dressing rooms Mower, Astro Turf
80,246
Moneygall Community Hall
Community Hall Gym Upgrade
30,785
Moneygall Development Association Ltd
Moneygall Community Clubhouse
150,000
Moneygall Football Club Limited
Training Pitch, Lights and Fencing
126,961
Mucklagh Schoolboys/girls Community Soccer Club CLG
Development of Grass Pitches, Toilets & Ballstops
61,462
Offaly County Council
Basketball & Netball Courts, Tullamore Town Park
3,963
Rhode GAA
Ball stops, Spectator Fencing, Floodlight upgrade
112,197
Seir Kieran GAA Club
GAA pitch drainage and gym equipment purchase
39,845
Shinrone Development Ltd
Construction of Synthetic Grass Training Area
43,176
St Marys Secondary School Edenderry
St Mary's Secondary Sports Development Phase 2
149,190
St Rynaghs Football Club
St. Rynagh's Football Club 2020 Project
67,306
Tullamore GAA
New All-Weather Pitch, Fencing & Flood Lighting
150,000
Tullamore Golf Club
Golf Course Improvements + ancillary improvements
90,982
Tullamore Rugby Football Club
TRFC Dressing completion & Equipment Application
87,343
Tullamore Town Football Club
Retrofit Floodlights to LED & Purchase Lawnmower.
95,000