Fianna Fáil member of Kerry County Council and Kerry general election candidate, Cllr. Michael Cahill has welcomed the allocation of €13,689,777 in grant funding to support local and community grassroots sports clubs across Kerry.
Nationwide, 1,996 grants have been announced, to a total value of €230m for new and improved sports facilities and equipment throughout the country under the Community Sport Facilities Fund, formerly the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme.
Combined with May’s allocation of €26m for sports equipment, the grants bring a total investment in community sport and recreation in 2024 to an unprecedented €256 million, the largest-ever investment in sports facilities nationwide, which has been delivered by Fianna Fáil in government.
Largest Sports Investment Ever
Cllr Cahill said that the funding for sports clubs in Kerry has been announced by his party colleague, Minister of State for Sport, Physical Education and An Ghaeltacht, Thomas Byrne TD, is part of the largest-ever investment in sports facilities nationwide.
“This €250 million investment represents a 250% increase in funding compared with the previous 2020 round of funding, clearly demonstrating the priority Fianna Fáil places on encouraging and facilitating sporting participation and excellence.,” said Cllr. Cahill.
Unprecedented Headline Figures
“There is a magnificent variety of allocations to local community organisations in Kerry in this year’s Sports Capital Grant announcement. Many different sporting clubs will now benefit, helping their local people all over Kerry.
“There are headline figures like: €500,000 for the Dereen Sports Development in Killarney; Kerry FC getting €387,953, Glenbeigh National School receiving €132,752, Dr. Crokes – €89,624 and Killorglin Rugby Club – €145,343. An Riocht Athletic Club – An Riocht Participation and Environmental Project: €334,631; Glenbeigh Glencar GAA Club will receive €182,717, Killorglin AFC – €88,898, Killorglin Sports and Leisure Centre €182,785 and Tuosist GAA Club will get €169,019.
Cllr. Cahill said that the funding will make a tremendous difference to the lives of those using such facilities.
Tremendous Sense of Community
“There is a tremendous sense of community that comes from engagement with sports and their associated organisations. Ensuring that we have the right equipment in place and that adequate facilities are provided is key to supporting people of all abilities to get, and to stay, involved.
“This is an unprecedented level of sports funding and will prove transformative for sports clubs in our communities. As a party in government we are committed to providing everyone with the opportunity to participate in sport,” said Cllr. Cahill in conclusion.
Some local projects to benefit from the latest allocations include:
An Riocht Athletic Club – An Riocht Participation and Environmental Project: €334,631; Castleisland Desmonds GAA Club – Astroturf Development: €196,171; Ballymacelligott GAA Club – Redevelopment of main pitch and training pitch €170,259; Ballymacelligott Handball Club – Ballymacelligott Handball Club – 2023 €30,686; Brosna GAA Club – Renovation of dressing rooms, toilets and showers €170,259; Brosna Parish Hall – Refurbishment of Indoor Sports Hall €69,765; Currow GAA Club – Installation of an Astro Turf Training Pitch €157,801; Firies GAA Club – Firies GAA Ballinvarrig Development €54,886; Killeentierna Community Centre – Community Centre Improvements €61,232; Knocknagoshel GAA Club – Spectator/Security fencing, Robotic Mower €71,205; Maine Valley Members Golf Club – Golf club renovation and upgrade €56,684; Scartaglin GAA Club – Underage and Senior Ladies Training Pitch €152,141; Castlemaine United Football Club – Under an ‘Equipment Only’ list Castlemaine United Football Club cited pitch maintenance and sports equipment and was granted €14,866.
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