Some €15,000 funding will be allocated to St Finian’s GAA club Newcastle to upgrade their community walking track, a local TD has said. Deputy Higgins said: “The funding, which has been allocated to St Finian’s GAA club Newcastle will enable upgrades such as lighting and improved surfaces. “These upgrades will help St. Finian’s to empower people to stay active all year round by creating a safe and inclusive space for people of all ages and mobilities. “St. Finian’s play an invaluable role in fostering social connections in Newcastle and the surrounding community and by expanding access to their facilities they are helping to improve the health and wellbeing of everyone who uses them.
“I’d like to commend St. Finian’s and all clubs across Lucan, Clondalkin, Palmerstown, Rathcoole, Brittas and Saggart for their wonderful contribution to their communities and I want to thank the GAA for the significant work involved in the process,” added Deputy Higgins. Local Cllr. Shirley O’Hara said, “I am delighted to see St. Finian’s being recognised in this and I’m sure the funding will be put to good use to improve the walking tracks in the local area especially as we move into these warmer months where people can be out and about more.”
The Minister for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy, Hildegarde Naughton said the once off national funding of €815,000 provided by Healthy Ireland is designed to make community walking tracks located on GAA grounds more accessible to more people. Minister Naughton said: “I am delighted to welcome the announcement of the successful clubs for this very worthwhile initiative. Healthy Ireland has been a long-standing partner of the Irish Life GAA Healthy Club Project and supporter of the GAA’s efforts to transform clubs into hubs for health in their communities, all of which makes a significant contribution to the Healthy Ireland agenda.”
