Five local clubs win appeals over sports capital grant funding
By Aideen O'Flaherty
A MAJOR funding boost of over €600,000 is being awarded to five local sports clubs after they successfully launched appeals for funding from the government’s sports capital grant fund.
All of the clubs were initially turned down for funding under the scheme last year as a result of their applications being deemed invalid, but all five of the clubs have successfully appealed this decision and will now receive funding through the grant scheme.
Slade Valley Golf Club received €97,760 for grass cutting equipment
Two Rathfarnham hockey clubs have secured funding for various works, with the Three Rock Rovers Hockey Club being granted €150,000 for the replacement of a community used artificial turf pitch, while Loreto Hockey Club and Loreto High School Beaufort have been awarded €150,000 for the resurfacing of their sand-dressed all-weather pitch.
Bronwyn O’Donnell from Loreto Hockey Club said: “The school and club invested in laying the current pitch in 2006, which has proved an invaluable resource to the club, school and wider community.
“Its artificial surface has allowed a high level of usage but needs replacement every ten years to remain fit for purpose.
“The securing of a sports capital grant will allow a new surface to be laid in 2018.”
€97,760 for grass cutting equipment
The Saggart-based Slade Valley Golf Club has been granted €97,760 for grass cutting equipment for their golf course, which is a welcome addition to the club as they can now replace their aging equipment.
David Kennedy, President of Slade Valley Golf Club, told The Echo: “We’re delighted that we won our appeal.
“At this stage our machinery is aging and work needs to be done on the course.
“We hope we can draw down the funds soon.”
Fianna Fail Deputy John Lahart said: “I warmly welcome the grants to Slade Valley Golf Club and Three Rock Rovers Hockey Club.
“Both clubs had been unsuccessful in the original round of funding but successfully appealed these decisions.
“I was happy to support the appeal by Slade Valley and am delighted their appeal was accepted.
“Slade Valley is at the community club end of the golf club spectrum, and far removed from the elite status of private clubs.
“In addition to its golfing activities, Slade Valley organises an increasing number of non-golfing activities, including Men’s Shed and bridge club activities.
“Like a lot of clubs, they have been attempting to diversify into offering a range of non-golfing activities to members and non-members alike.
“I believe that the club can play a significant local tourism role given its scenic location.”
€68,412 for Clondalkin Leisure Centre
Elsewhere, South Dublin County Council’s successful appeal has resulted in them being awarded €68,412 for Clondalkin Leisure Centre, while Peamount United Football Club, which is in Newcastle, has been granted €150,000 for the replacement of all-weather carpet.
Frances Fitzgerald, Fine Gael TD for Dublin Mid-West, said: “I am absolutely delighted to see Peamount United receiving this much needed funding after a successful appeals process.
“I know it will really make a big difference to the club and players.
“I have been actively supporting Peamount United with their application for this year’s sports capital funding, including making representations to Minister for Sport Brendan Griffin on their appeal.
“I want to congratulate Bill, Elaine, Brian and all the committee for their work on this application.”
Local clubs received €2.8m in funding from the sports capital grant fund last November, with the highest grant level of €150,000 being awarded to five clubs in the county.
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