Fianna Fáil TD for Galway East and Minister for Disability, Anne Rabbitte, has welcomed the allocation of €3.3 million to St Jarlath’s in Tuam and Kinvara Hockey Club as part of the Large Scale Sports Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF).
A total of €2 million has been allocated to St. Jarlath’s in Tuam to develop a full-size 4G, floodlit, all-weather synthetic pitch, redevelopment of the existing grass training pitches into a full-size grass playing pitch, and a sports pavilion.
Meanwhile, Kinvara Hockey Club has been granted €1.3 million for the development of a regional FIH certified (national standard) hockey/multisport pitch with an adjoining 2G multi-use games area, as well as fencing, floodlighting, tennis, and Bocce Courts.
The two Galway projects are part of €173 million in grants to 35 projects across Ireland announced on Monday, which is a record allocation under the LSSIF and follows record funding announced under the Community Sport Facilities Fund in September.
Minister Rabbitte commented:
I am absolutely thrilled to welcome this significant funding of €3.3 million for St. Jarlath’s and Kinvara Hockey Club under the Large Scale Sports Infrastructure Fund.
This investment represents a transformative moment for both organisations, providing vital resources to enhance facilities, nurture young talent, and promote sport in Galway.
For St. Jarlath’s, this €2 million funding will be instrumental in expanding the offering at the historic school, with the development of a full-size 4G, floodlit, all-weather synthetic pitch, as well as upgrading the existing grass training pitches into a full-size grass playing pitch and the construction of a sports pavilion.
I ensured that the Minister for Sport Thomas Byrne met with the Principal, John Kelly, to discuss the plans, alongside former student and Managing Partner at DHKN Chartered Accountants Proinsias Kitt, as well as Helen O’Rourke, CEO of the Ladies Gaelic Football Association.
It was so important for this development to be dual use, so we’re not only supporting the development of young men but also supporting our young women in sport. It’s a real step change.
Inclusivity in sports is paramount, and thanks to the implementation of the new Similar Access Requirement, we have ensured that women and men will enjoy similar access to all sports facilities, which are publicly funded.
and she continued:
At Kinvara, the €1.3 million funding will see the long-awaited development of a hockey/multisport pitch on the Moy Road.
The whole of the Kinvara community has been pushing for this project, and indeed some of the Club, including
- Aileen Cullinane, Senior Coach
- Fiona Rodgers, Chairperson
- Annemarie O’Shaughnessy, Treasurer
- Deirdre Mongan who met with the Tánaiste, Micheál Martin, over the weekend to discuss the project.
It’s simply a fantastic day for hockey in Galway!
This allocation comes only weeks after €16.7 million was announced for new and improved sports facilities and equipment throughout Galway under the Community Sport Facilities Fund, formerly the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme.
Such funding undoubtedly helps develop our athletes into the future and propel them to greater levels, whether locally, nationally, or even internationally.
The Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund plays a crucial role in our strategy to enhance physical activity and well-being among the population.
By investing in these significant projects, we are ensuring that everyone, regardless of their background or ability, has access to high-quality sports facilities.
This funding will help to create a legacy of sporting excellence in Ireland, inspiring future generations to engage in physical activity and pursue their sporting ambitions.
and she concluded:
As a government, we are dedicated to offering opportunities for individuals of all ages and abilities to engage in sport.
The record investment in sport facilities announced this year under both the Community Sport Facilities Fund and Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund illustrates our ongoing commitment.
I am confident that these projects will create new and enhanced opportunities for individuals of all ages and backgrounds to participate in sports to the fullest extent.
