Louth Clubs Set to Benefit from Record Sports Grants
Louth is poised to receive the largest investment in sports facilities in history, following Green Party Sports Minister Catherine Martin’s announcement of a 50% increase in funding for sports clubs.
The €250 million allocated to sports clubs across the country is a record sum, aimed at enhancing facilities in densely populated areas, supporting those with disabilities, and addressing climate change.
Specific clubs to receive the funding will be named later, but the unprecedented amount ensures significant increases for most sports clubs.
Welcoming the announcement, Green Party Candidate for Drogheda Rural, Anthony Murphy, said, “This funding is great news for Louth and will be of enormous help to local clubs and sports groups. Sports clubs are at the heart of the local community, and increasing funding by 50% in one year shows the Green Party’s commitment to supporting sports. This is the largest ever sports investment and will elevate our clubs to the next level of quality.”
Murphy highlighted the programme’s impact since 1998, noting that it has supported 13,000 projects and improved sports facilities in virtually every village, town, and city. “The funding announced today represents a 50% increase on the funding allocated in early 2022 and follows the recent announcement of over €26 million in grants to more than 900 sports groups for upgrading their equipment.”
Minister of State for Sport, Physical Education, and the Gaeltacht, Fianna Fáil’s Thomas Byrne T.D., added, “I know that every club and sporting organisation that applied under the 2023 round of the Sports Capital Programme has been eagerly awaiting confirmation regarding their applications. Earlier this month, I was pleased to confirm equipment grants to organisations across the country and for over fifty sports and activities. Further individual allocations, including those for capital works and capital works with an equipment component, will be announced in the autumn. The funding confirmed today represents a 50% increase on the funding allocated under the 2020 round of the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme, and it should result in positive allocation decisions for all valid applications under the current 2023 Programme.”
Byrne emphasised the government’s commitment to providing record budgets for sport, aiming to offer everyone, of every ability, the opportunity to participate in sport and physical activity. “I look forward to confirming individual allocations later in the year,” he said.
