Ten Longford sports clubs receive equipment grants amounting to €173,056
Longford Phoenix Basketball Club were the the biggest beneficiary locally as they were allocated €46,135
Ten Longford clubs have received equipment grants amounting to €173,056 under the latest round of the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme (‘SCEP’).
Longford Phoenix Basketball Club were the the biggest beneficiary locally as they were allocated €46,135, with the second highest amount going to Longford Gymnastics Club €32,964.
The eight other successful clubs were; Cnoc Mhuire Granard - €26,515; Clonguish GAA - €25,031; Inny Kayakers - €12,178; Spartak Granard FC - €11,159; North Longford Angling Club - €10,000; Real Clondra FC - €4,646; Drumlish Community Association - €2,928 and Carrickedmond Ladies GAA - €1,500.
Phoenix Basketball Club will use their €46,135 for updating and replacing basketball equipment and kit.
These allocations under the SCEP are in response to equipment-only applications which sporting organisations submitted.
Further allocations under the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme, including those for capital works, and capital works tied with an equipment component, are expected to be announced in mid June.
Deputy Joe Flaherty welcomed the funding of €173,056 for Longford sports clubs. He stated, “It's wonderful to witness the dedication and hard work that club members and volunteers in Longford invest every week, now being acknowledged with this grant funding. The grants will be instrumental in supporting clubs with crucial equipment and enhancements, like pitch renovations and acquiring gym gear.
“I wish to extend my sincerest appreciation to the volunteers and club members throughout our county for their invaluable contributions to our communities' well-being. The grants announced today reflect the priority Fianna Fáil in Government places on encouraging and facilitating sporting participation and excellence across the country.”
Senator Micheál Carrigy also welcomed the funding. "This is fantastic news and a testament to the hard work and dedication of the ten groups. These committees are voluntary and I understand the effort and commitment required in submitting these applications."
Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media Catherine Martin said: “Our sporting organisations are at the heart of our communities providing opportunities to people to participate in healthy activities and to enjoy the successes of their local teams and sporting heroes. I am delighted to confirm the largest ever allocation of grants for equipment under the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme.
"The significant funding announced today will assist a vast range of sporting organisations around the country and be a great source of support to local teams on and off the field of play. Minister Thomas Byrne and I are committed to providing continued supports to sporting organisations to increase participation in sport in communities across Ireland. I am confident that the revised allocations under the National Development Plan will also allow for significant funding to be allocated for capital works when the necessary assessments of applications are completed.”
Minister of State for Sport, Physical Education and the Gaeltacht Thomas Byrne said: “The diversity of organisations which will receive this record level of sports equipment funding illustrates the passion and interest that we have as a nation for sport in all its forms. The work done on a voluntary basis throughout the country in sports organisations is invaluable and it is only right that the Government plays its part in facilitating sporting participation and excellence across the country.
"In an Olympic year it is appropriate that we illustrate the Government’s commitment to sport and participation through strong investment in the facilities and equipment needed. I look forward to confirming further capital funding for the sport sector under the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme.”