Funding for local sports groups in our area will help the sector offset losses incurred and address other challenges posed by Covid-19, a Fine Gael Deputy has said. Deputy Emer Higgns said: “I am delighted that an unprecedented funding package of 85 million has been put in place for the Irish sport sector, which will help local groups in what has been a difficult year with much activity stalled due to Covid-19.
“The funding being allocated by Sport Ireland will address the existential threat to National Governing Bodies and their club networks, and local sports organisations. “Through the Local Sports Partnership Small Grant Scheme, 42 clubs in South Dublin will be allocated funding of €55,898.00. “Funding allocated to 13 clubs in the Lucan, Clondalkin, Rathcoole areas will provide an additional mechanism to support community groups & clubs provide a vital local service. The primary aim of the grants is to cover the costs associated with implementing Covid-19 hygiene and social distancing protocols. Adamstown Cricket Club, Lucan Juvenile Badminton Club, Clondalkin Celtic FC, and Commercials Hurling club are just some of the clubs who will receive funding.
“This Government is committed to the Irish sports sector and earlier this year announced funding of €70 million to protect the national sports system in Ireland. “Over €64 million of funding has been allocated to National Governing Bodies, Local Sports Partnerships and other funded bodies across four key schemes. “An Emergency Fund to the value of €5.8 million has been ring-fenced to offset losses incurred by sports organisations during the current Level 5 restrictions and the remaining period of 2020. “Sport Ireland was in a position to meet the requests of National Governing Bodies for their club networks to the tune of €9.7 million, and an additional €5 million will also be invested in the GAA, IRFU and FAI club networks. “In addition to the Covid-19 fund outlined above, the Government has allocated an additional €15 million to GAA, Camogie Association and Ladies Gaelic Football Association specifically for the running of the Inter-County Championships. There is also dedicated funding for disability and older adult sport. “This has been an extremely challenging year for the sport sector but support is available, and I wish to thank the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport & Media, Catherine Martin TD and Minister of State for Sport and Gaeltacht Affairs, Jack Chambers TD for their continued commitment to this area,” Deputy Higgins concluded.
