Sports clubs get €2.8m bonanza to boost upgrading of facilities
By Aideen O’Flaherty
CHRISTMAS has arrived early for a number of local sports clubs who have received funding of €2.8m from the government’s sports capital programme.
The clubs received the grants to carry out work on specific projects, with the highest grant level of €150,000 being awarded to five clubs in the area, namely Ballyboden St Enda’s GAA Club, the Glenanne Trust Corp Ltd, South Dublin County Council, Tallaght Town AFC and the Templeogue Lawn Tennis Club.
Fine Gael back sports.A great result for clubs in our community following the announcement of the Capital sport grants this morning.Several clubs got grants and three I was watching closely got the Maximum of 150000 euro @stannesgaa @Tallaght AFC and Templeogue Tennis Club.
— brianlawlor (@brianlawlordsw) November 30, 2017
Ballyboden St Enda’s received the funding to carry out main pitch drainage in Sancta Maria, the Glenanne Trust Corp will use the funding for AstroTurf pitch replacement, South Dublin County Council will put their grant money towards the Belgard Community Centre, Tallaght Town AFC will use the grant for dressing rooms, toilets and showers, while the Templeogue Lawn Tennis Club will use the funding for the development of disabled facilities and a fitness room.
St Anne’s GAA Club will also receive a significant boost with a grant amount of €149,767 being awarded to them for their facility upgrade, while Rathcoole Boys’ Football Club will use their €142,399 grant to fund the replacement of their existing grass pitch with 3G AstroTurf.
Brilliant news for @KnockmittenFC €137,708 awarded from Sports Capital Grant for all weather pitch at the Community Centre. Great work by club, supporters & @sdublincoco on delivering on this.
— Eoin Ó Broin (@EOBroin) November 30, 2017
South Dublin County Council received a grant of €137,708 for Knockmitten AWP, and St Jude’s GAA Club has secured a grant of €141,000 for an all-weather pitch, a skills wall and a sports hall store.
St Francis’ Football Club has been granted €138,500 for a 3D synthetic grass pitch programme, while €119,952 will be used for Tymon Pitch.
We are delighted to announce that Lucan Harriers have been awarded €38,000 for sports equipment in the 2017 Sports Capital Grant.
— Lucan Harriers (@Lucan_Harriers) November 30, 2017
Some smaller community sports groups also received funding, such as the Killinarden Angling Initiative which received €15,602, the Lucan Pitch and Putt Club which received €19,736 for an upgrade to an energy efficient heating system and a mower, and Old Bawn Gymnastics which received €75,000.
Rathcoole Community Council Ltd received €99,400 for the refurbishment of their sports hall, Kevin’s Hurling and Camogie Club received €121,208 for their expansion plan.
Dublin South West TD and Independent Minister Katherine Zappone said: “Sport is the lifeblood of our communities.
“As well as enjoyment there are many health and wellbeing benefits for local people of all ages.
“Investing in sport makes sense. It is not only a tribute to the hard work of clubs, their workers and volunteers, but helps cut waiting lists for health services by boosting wellbeing and fitness.”
