Labour TD, Arthur J. Spring welcomes the government’s announcement today that Sports Capital Grants totalling €950,000 have been awarded to 29 applicants in Kerry which will provide new and improved sports facilities and equipment county wide.
This is great news for the clubs concerned. However, out of the massive €950,000 announced only €1,700 came to Castleisland and that to one club, Castleisland AFC.
That there is a glaring imbalance between the rest of the county and Castleisland is clear to see when you read what others clubs were allocated.
Could it be that Castleisland clubs didn’t apply for the same level of grant aid that so many of our neighbours have now been gifted with ? If they didn’t then that’s the end of the matter and the fault lies with the clubs here. However, if they did, then there’s a clear need to look at the imbalance and how it came to be.
“I welcome the awarding of these grant. Sports Clubs play a major role in society providing facilities for people of all ages to participate in their chosen activity. These clubs promote fitness, team work and social inclusion. The successful applying clubs will now enhance their facilities to further the enjoyment of their participating members,” said Deputy Spring.
The share out of the €950,000 is as follows:
An Riocht Archery Club €1,000
Austin Stacks Hurling & Football Club €65,000
Ballylongford GAA Club €68,000
Brosna GAA CLUB €12,000
Castleisland AFC €1,700
Castlemaine Community Services Group Ltd €10,000
County Kerry Cricket Club €9,000
Cumann Badoiri Naomh Bhreanainn €40,000
Deerpark Pitch & Putt Club €20,000
Finuge Freewheelers Cycling Club €5,000
Fossa Rowing Club €15,000
Gneeveguilla GAA Club €60,000
Keel GAA Club €25,000
Kerry Canoe Club – Killorglin €18,000
Kerry Education And Training Board €90,000
Kilcummin GAA Club €12,000
Killarney Legion GAA Club €50,000
Killarney Swimming Club €12,000
Listowel Community Centre €60,000
Lixnaw GAA Club €60,000
O’Neills Crotta GAA Club €75,000
Portmagee Rowing Club €12,000
St Brendan’s Park FC €55,000
St Brendans Trust €46,300
St Senans GAA €12,000
TRALEE BOXING CLUB €10,000
Tralee Gymnastics Club €50,000
Tralee Harriers Athletic Club €44,000
Tralee Triathon Club €12,000
The allocations announced include funding for:
o Natural grass sports pitches, tracks and courts;
o Floodlighting;
o Artificial sports pitches, tracks, courts and multi-use games areas;
o Security fencing and ball stop netting;
o Hurling walls / handball alleys;
o Building or refurbishment of dressing rooms, showers and toilets;
o Building or refurbishment of sports halls and gyms;
o Non-personal sports equipment;
o Shared facilities;
o Permanently fixed outdoor gym equipment.
