LABOUR councillor Joe Leddin has urged Limerick clubs to take time and apply for funding under the Sports Capital Grant.
Applications opened on Monday, July 17 and remain open until Friday September 8 at 5pm.
Cllr Leddin takes the view that sporting clubs and organisations are the absolute backbone of Limerick communities, but many are really struggling, he insists.
“More and more sports clubs are coming to the maximum amount of usage of their current facilities in terms of increased memberships.
“We know that so many are involved in activities but the facilities simply haven’t managed to keep pace with the growth in popularity of games like soccer, the GAA, and many more,” the City West representative said.
“Clubs should take the time to review the Sports Capital Grant to see if they are eligible for much needed funding to improve facilities and amenities.
“While the Sports Capital Grant is a really useful way for clubs to get some help when it comes to improving and expanding amenities that benefit the whole community, more needs to be done.”
Cllr Leddin also believes it is time to look at community open spaces and see how we can better develop amenities in communities throughout the country.
”Given the shortage of land, we now need local authorities to urgently identify and support our sports clubs through community sports and recreational amenities.
“It is my belief that there should be such a sports or recreational amenity such as a children’s playground facility in areas with a population above 5,000. Sports clubs are telling me that there are huge issues locally in terms of having enough facilities for people to play sports and games in their community,” he concluded.
