Laois & Offaly Sports Capital Grant Recipients

Today, I'm delighted to see a regional allocation of more than €9m to sports organisations across the Midlands.

Locally, Laois is to receive €3.3m, Offaly gets €2.7m and Westmeath gets €3.3m (see local breakdown at page end)

In addition to the local fund, at a regional level;

Laois and Offaly ETB will receive €300,000 for a Hockey Pitch at Dunamase College

Laois County Council will receive €300,000 for Gym Equipment/Accessibility Upgrade

Laois GAA will receive €63,272 for a Ball wall and maintenance mover, and,

Tullamore Harriers Athletic Club will receive €140,099 for Phase 2 of the Tullamore Harriers Upgrade - Astro Pitch

“The people who run sports organisations are primarily volunteers providing an extraordinary service and deserve to be fully supported in their efforts,” she said.

“As a runner myself, I know that sporting activity is crucial to our physical, mental and social wellbeing. As we emerge from restrictions, we need this activity more than ever.

“These grants will go towards changing rooms, pitches, tracks, lighting and facilities that we need to keep our sports activities going. Clubs have worked hard to apply for these grants and they can rightly celebrate. Unsuccessful applicants will have the opportunity to appeal and I would encourage them to do so.”

€150m is being allocated nationwide in new capital grants under the latest round of the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme (SCEP). €144 million is allocated to almost 1,900 clubs and organisations with €6 million kept in reserve for successful appeals lodged by unsuccessful applicants.

The announcement was made by Minister Hackett’s Green Party colleague, Sports Minister Catherine Martin;

“There was a record number of applications for these grants and the government responded with the most significant level of individual awards ever,” said Minister Martin.

“So this is a great day for sports clubs and community groups right around the country and I want to congratulate all of the successful applicants.

“It has been a tough two years for many sports clubs, but the pandemic really demonstrated the importance of sport for our collective wellbeing. The grants we are announcing today will significantly improve sports facilities in every county. There is a huge variety of different sports covered and I was particularly pleased that the scoring system placed an even greater emphasis on female participation.

“Over 30 sports and activities are represented, ranging from competitive, track and field games right through to walking.

“I want to thank all of the volunteers associated with these clubs for their tireless work and their commitment to improving their facilities to benefit all members.”

Local Breakdown as follows: