A BOXING club on the southside of Limerick City is set to undergo a major refurbishment after the announcement of almost half a million in funding.
Southside Boxing Academy in Galvone will undergo a €430,000 refurbishment project after funding was awarded by Economic and Social Intervention Fund (ESIF).
The works will see the current roof removed and replaced with a new insulated metal cladding system. A partition on the site will also be removed so the club can expand its facilities and grow its membership figures.
The extra space will be enough to accommodate a second boxing ring and training areas.
New heating, emergency doors, and lighting will enhance the building while upgrades to the dressing room area, showers, and toilet blocks will improve the facility greatly.
Southside Boxing Academy opened its doors in 2012 and has since grown to amass over 100 members from areas including including O’Malley Park, Carew Park, Janesboro, and Kennedy Park.
The club coaches aspiring male and female boxers in a positive and community-based environment, embracing and supporting Limerick’s long boxing pedigree.
Welcoming the investment in the facility, Director of Services for Regeneration and Sport at Limerick City and County Council, Joe Delaney, said: “We are delighted that with the assistance of the Economic and Social Intervention Fund, this project is now getting off the ground.”
“We’re very aware of the value a sport like boxing can play in people’s lives, particularly young people.
“Boxing provides discipline, fitness, and a sense of belonging. Therefore, these improvements to the club’s facilities will enable those involved to prosper further and will assist the Southside Boxing Academy volunteers to grow participation levels, and deliver a greater number of programmes to current and future boxers,” Mr Delaney said.
The works are being carried out by Limerick-based building firm PBC Ltd, who were tasked by Limerick City and County Council’s Regeneration and Sport Department to oversee the project.
