LIMERICK is losing out on Sport Capital Funding, according to Fianna Fáil TD Niall Collins.
Deputy Collins told the Limerick Post that new analysis undertaken by his party reveals that Limerick has fallen well behind the national average when it comes to Sport Capital Grant funding.
“Despite boasts that major funding had been secured for sports clubs and communities across Limerick by the previous Government, between 2011-2015, the figures show that the county received 45 per cent less than the Taoiseach’s own constituency in Mayo,” he stated.
“On average each year, Mayo received €7,375 for every 1,000 residents, while Limerick has been allocated just €4,081 — 55 per cent of what Mayo was allocated for the past five years.”
Deputy Collins went on to claim that clubs in Limerick that make an application for a Sports Capital Grant have also been much less likely to be successful than elsewhere, with just 42 per cent of applications being successful compared to 60 and 70 per cent in other counties.
“The Sports Grant enables sports and community groups and associations nationwide to apply for essential funding to assist them with maximising participation in physical education. This funding is crucial and helps improve sports clubs and other facilities which are of huge benefit to teenagers and clubs in the community.
“The fact that Limerick has been falling behind in these allocations is particularly worrying, but what’s worse is the fact that the new Minister still has not made any announcement about Sport Capital funding for 2016,” he said.
Deputy Collins also maintains the delay in allocation of Sports Capital Funding is now a major concern for various sports clubs and organisations that have been waiting on investment to progress with plans and proposal to upgrade or develop facilities.
“This is an extremely important programme and it should not be allowed to fall off Minister Ross’s agenda. The Minister must guarantee that this funding is provided as a matter of urgency in order to recognise the positive impact that this much needed funding has had all over Ireland.”
by Alan Jacques
