SPORTS clubs across the Southside are set to score part of a massive €6.9 million in capital grants announced last week.
The National Lottery Good Causes fund is sharing the cash bonanza with 170 clubs around Ireland, including several located on the Southside.
The Chief Executive of the National Lottery, Dermot Griffin, congratulated the 170 clubs and community sporting projects who are to benefit from the €6.9 million injection of Sports Capital Funding.
The grants were revealed by Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Shane Ross and Minister of State for Tourism and Sport, Brendan Griffin.
Almost 30 cent in every €1 spent on National Lottery games goes back to Good Causes all over Ireland including the area of sport. Every day alone players raise €620,000 for Good Causes by playing National Lottery games, or €4.4 million a week.
The Sports Capital Programme, which is heavily supported by proceeds of National Lottery games, is the primary means of providing Government funding for capital projects to sport and community organisations at local, regional and national level.
Minister Griffin said: “Ireland is a very proud sporting nation and the National Lottery is extremely proud that Good Causes funding goes to so many dedicated sporting organisations all over the country via the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport.
“This funding will have a huge impact on clubs and communities and the thousands who partake in sport up and down the country.
“Local sports clubs are often the lifeblood in communities and we are really are proud to support this programme.”
Under the 2018 programme first time applicants who were invalid under the previous round of grants were invited by the Department to resubmit applications. 186 groups took up this opportunity and over 90 per cent were successful.
Minister Ross added: “The Sports Capital Programme remains an essential vehicle for providing suitable sports facilities and equipment to allow as many people participate in sport as possible.
“The grants which we have approved today will benefit every county and 23 different sports will see improved facilities and equipment. I look forward to announcing grants to many more deserving sports projects later in the year.”
Minister Josepha Madigan warmly welcomed the allocation of further Sports Capital Grant allocations. Among the recipients are Cherry Orchard Community Centre (sports equipment: €6,400); Kilmacud Crokes GAA Club – €149,600 for dressing rooms; Jesus and Mary College, Our Lady's Grove – €150,000 for a new astro pitch and changing facilities; Carrickmines Croquet – €20,000 for new outdoor floodlighting LED lighting; and St Tiernan's Cycling Club – €5,400 for new performance improvement cycling equipment.
Minister Madigan said: “I am delighted to see several local clubs being awarded funding under this review of the 2018 grants.
“I would like to thank Junior Minister Brendan Griffin for supporting their applications. This funding will help provide new facilities and equipment, thus allowing sports clubs to enhance their work and contribution to our local communities.
“Sport is such an important part of a healthy life, and it is crucial that our clubs our supported.
“I am always happy to provide advice and support to clubs that are planning for the future.
As a local representative, I regularly attend events and activities hosted by our local clubs and see first-hand the great work they do.
“Late last year, I was delighted to lead the successful campaign for hurling and camogie to be in-cluded on the UNESCO List of Global Intangible Heritage.
“I look forward to seeing more local sports clubs receiving funding support when the 2019 sports capital grants are announced later this
