Record-breaking €12m funding for Limerick sports clubs announced

OVER €12m in government funding has been announced in funding for 102 Limerick city and county sports clubs and organisations.

A total of  €12,144,715 has been allocated under Sports Capital Grants, which “will fund crucial upgrades” for local sports clubs across Limerick.

This investment forms part of the wider €13.4m in funding for 142 clubs in Limerick announced under the latest round of the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme.

Nationwide, 1,996 grants have been allocated, with the funding for Limerick part of record €230m national allocation from the latest round of Sports Capital and Equipment Grants programme at both local and regional level.

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The programme, overseen by Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin TD, and Minister of State for Sport, Physical Education and the Gaeltacht, Thomas Byrne TD, aims to improve sports facilities and boost participation levels.

A number of Limerick TDs have welcomed the funding, including Green Party TD, Brian Leddin, Fine Gael TD and Minister of State Kieran O’Donnell and Fianna Fáil TD, Willie O’Dea. 

Speaking on the announcement, Deputy Leddin said: “The Sports Capital and Equipment Grants provide fantastic support for our local clubs and wider communities. 

“My Green Party colleague Minister Martin has done tremendous work in empowering sports clubs of all sizes. The first round of these grants made a massive impact, and this latest funding will continue to transform clubs across Limerick.”

These grants will support a wide variety of projects, including the development of natural grass pitches, tracks, and courts with appropriate drainage, the installation of energy-efficient floodlighting and the construction of artificial sports surfaces and multi-use games areas, as well as security enhancements like fencing, ball stop netting, and goal posts.

Mr Leddin, a life member of St. Michael's Rowing Club, also noted the wider significance of investing in grassroots sports. 

“Our local sports clubs do incredible work, engaging people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds. This funding will help them continue their important role in keeping people active and engaged in our communities,” he said.

Minister O’Donnell said the funding “will be of immense benefit” to all the clubs and organisations across Limerick set to receive it.

"The Sports Capital Programme was re-instated by Fine Gael in 2012. It is a real lifeline for teams, clubs and organisations here in Limerick.

“We know how important sport is to all communities here and the value sports adds to our lives at all ages. The Government is investing in all sporting facilities across the country. 

“Be it team sports or individuals participating, we are fully behind them and will continue to support all involved in sport whether they are players or volunteers working hard behind the scenes.”

Deputy O'Dea said the record-breaking funding “clearly demonstrates the priority Fianna Fáil places on encouraging and facilitating sporting participation and excellence”.

“There is a tremendous sense of community that comes from engagement with sports and their associated organisations.

“Ensuring that we have the right equipment in place and that adequate facilities are provided is key to supporting people of all abilities to get, and to stay, involved.

“This is an unprecedented level of sports funding and will prove transformative for sports clubs in our communities. As a party in government, we are committed to providing everyone with the opportunity to participate in sport.”

Ballynanty Rovers have an address in Co Clare and are therefore listed under that county’s allocation. They were awarded €200,000.

Grove Island Leisure Centre is among the projects which has been allocated €500,000 for improvement works.