Christmas comes early for local sports organisations 

NORTHSIDE sports clubs and organisations received an early Christmas present when Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Shane Ross announced that €37 million is be allocated to Sports Capital Projects.

The final set of allocations for local capital projects under the 2018 round of the Sports Capital Programme (SCP) will see 994 different projects in 37 different sports benefitting.

Some of the local clubs to benefit include:

• Whitehall Colmcille GAA Club: €68,810

• Ard Scoil Ri/St Vincent’s: €46,997               

• Baldoyle Boxing Club: €108,000

• Artane Beaumont Basketball: €146,000

• Naomh Barróg: €50,000

• Clontarf Astro Pitch: €126,000

• Mount Temple School: €150,000

• St Monica’s GAA Club, €130,000

• Dublin Fairview Scout Group: €27,805

• Sutton Dinghy Club: €55,971

• Balbriggan Golf Club: €64,430

• Ballyboughal GFC: €98,898

• Donabate Portrane Community Centre Company: €94,297

• Malahide United AFC: €43,547

• O’Dwyer’s GAA Club, Balbriggan: €63,833

• Lusk United AFC: €97,090

• Rush Golf Club: €83,586

The 2018 round of the programme saw the highest level of interest ever with 2,337 individual applications received.

Minister Ross paid tribute to the volunteers involved in advancing the projects being allocated funding.

“I would like to congratulate all of the successful applicants receiving grants,” said Minister Ross.

“Increasing participation in sport is the central aim of our National Sports Policy and to achieve our objectives we need to have appropriate sports facilities.

“The grants we are announcing will significantly improve sports facilities right across the country.

“The vast majority of grants are going to voluntary organisations and I want to particularly thank all of the volunteers associated with these clubs for their tireless work and their commitment to improving their facilities to benefit all members.”

Minister for Disabilities Finian McGrath was among the local public representatives to welcome the funding.

“This is a serious investment for sports on the Northside of Dublin,” he said.

“It’s also a vote of confidence in our youth and a compliment to all of the voluntary work in the community.”

Dublin Fingal TD Alan Farrell (FG) said 23 north county sports clubs are to receive €1,436,456 as part of the funding. 

“Active engagement in sports not only helps keep young people healthy, but also builds confidence, independence and promotes team building,” he said. 

“This important Government funding will greatly benefit sports clubs across Dublin Fingal over the coming year.

“It is a real lifeline for teams, clubs and organisations in the north county.”

Senator Catherine Noone (FG) welcomed the funding for clubs in Dublin Bay North.

Dublin Fingal TD Louise O’Reilly (SF) welcomed the grants that were given to clubs in her constituency.

Full details of all the allocations are set out on the Department’s website at: https://www.gov.ie/en/collection/471ed5-sports-capital-allocations/