Investment in football “crucial” says Ó Ríordáin ahead of Dáil motion

Labour TD Aodhán Ó Ríordáin has called for cross-party support ahead of Labour’s upcoming Dáil motion to invest in Irish football.

Ó Ríordáin has been vocal in his support in Irish football in his time in the Dáil, and said with record attendances at League of Ireland matches and public excitement building ahead of the Women’s team making their World Cup debut in Australia, “the time is right” to invest in football.

“There is no more powerful game that lifts communities across the country, acts as a positive integration model, and gives us moments as a nation that we’ll never forget.”

“The history of the game here has been dogged with poor management from within the FAI. However, a recent FAI report highlights the “infrastructure deficit” at the heart of the game and calls for investment of approximately €860 million over the next 15 years.”

“It is clear that the FAI have turned a corner and it is now time that we grasp the nettle to build a better future for those who love the game so much.”

“That’s what Labour’s motion is all about. It’s calling for an end to photo opportunities and step up with the funding that’s so desperately needed,” Ó Ríordáin said.

Ó Ríordáin, who regularly shares his collection of Irish football jerseys on social media and hosts a walking football tour of Dublin, says “we need to challenge the assumption that young players must travel to the UK to play this game professionally – our domestic leagues should be excellent, with modern stadiums, full-time players and bustling crowds.”

Bustling crowds have been a regular affair so far this season in the League of Ireland, with multiple league fixtures featuring Bohemians, Shamrock Rovers and St Patrick’s Athletic selling out and multiple games being picked up for broadcast by Virgin Media.

“UEFA’s Social Return on Investment (SROI) report shows a strong social return for Ireland, with participation in the game contributing €1.18 billion to our economy through social (€300m+), economic (€355m+) and health savings (€1.13bn+). It’s a no-brainer to invest in and grow the game.”

“There’s an opportunity to move forward now. We can’t just put on the green jersey and support the Women’s team in the World Cup. We need to tackle the infrastructural issues that the game has head on and invest in the future.”

Ó Ríordáin’s party colleague, Senator Mark Wall, has said that if Labour’s bill was passed it could result in an Irish team competing in the Champions League within 15 years.

Senator Wall, who serves as the party’s spokesperson for Sport, said “the time for complaining about the state of Irish football is over, it’s time to support it, invest in it and grow it.”

“Labour’s motion will ask for political support for the FAI report, support for the game to be more integrated into the education system and talk about centralised contracts for female players to stay in the league,” the Sentor said. 

Labour’s bill will be raised as a Private Members’ Motion in the Dáil on Wednesday, July 12th.