A NUMBER of sports projects in Limerick are due to receive just under €1million in funding as part of a nationwide government incentive.
Minister of State for Tourism and Sport, Michael Ring, announced the 2012 Sports Capital Programme, which sees each county in the Republic of Ireland receiving a share of almost €26m for the development of sports facilities.
Fine Gael TD for Limerick City, Kieran O’Donnell, has welcomed the first round of sports funding since 2008, saying that it is important to support sporting projects for the benefit of children in Ireland.
He said: “It has been four years since the last round of funding and many sports projects across Limerick have been desperately short of funds in this tough economic climate.
“We all know that playing sports is not only good for your health and well-being, but it is a great way for children to learn different sports and give them opportunities to excel in a sport of their choice.”
A total of 22 sports projects in Limerick will benefit from the funding, which covers a variety of sporting activities.
The total fund of €999,961 will be divided across soccer, rugby, GAA, golf, rowing, gymnastics, boxing, rowing and sub-aqua clubs, as well as scout groups.
Mr O’Donnell cited the success of Irish athletes at the Olympic Games in London this summer as an example of what can ultimately be achieved through supporting young athletes at community level.
“The Olympics earlier this year is a prime example of how we must continue to support local sporting organisations so that future Olympians are given every opportunity to compete on the world stage.
“I would like to commend Minister Ring for his commitment to delivering this funding to sports clubs across Limerick and the country.”
