3 days ago
- Business
- Irish Independent
Major investment for sports and community initiatives announced for Mayo
This allocation is part of a national investment of €4.17m announced by the Department of Culture, Communications, and Sport along with Sport Ireland for various sport and community initiatives.
In Mayo, €74,500 will be allocated to Sport Hubs, €20,000 is earmarked for volunteer projects, and another €20,000 will go towards equality, diversity, and inclusion initiatives across the county. The funding comes from the Dormant Accounts Fund.
Minister of State and Mayo TD Alan Dillon made the announcement today and expressed his delight in seeing the funding directed towards sport and community initiatives across the county.
'The Dormant Accounts Funding allows unclaimed funds from accounts in credit institutions to be used for projects focused on overcoming the barriers and challenges to participation in sport for those who are economically or educationally disadvantaged, or those affected by a disability,
'Across the country, there is over €4m available which will be crucial for ensuring everyone has the chance to lead a more active and healthier life,' said Minister Dillon.
Mayo Sports Partnership currently operates two Community Sport Hubs (CSHs), one in Ballyhaunis and the other in Ballinrobe. These hubs provide information, support, and guidance on a variety of sports and physical activities, helping people in disadvantaged areas adopt a more active lifestyle.
The goal of the CSHs is to increase participation in sport and physical activity across all age groups, with a particular focus on engaging young people. All activities at the CSHs are centered around fostering community involvement, strengthening connections between local residents, sports clubs, and other physical activity groups.
CSHs operate under the framework of Local Sports Partnerships (LSPs), which are part of Sport Ireland.
Through Dormant Accounts Funding, Sport Ireland's network of LSPs can align national funding priorities with the needs of local communities, ensuring that support reaches the groups, clubs, and individuals who need it most.
Sport Ireland CEO Dr Úna May said: 'We are very happy to announce this investment package of €4.17m. This generous support is crucial in allowing our network of LSPs to continue their vital work of helping people to get active and remove barriers to sport and physical activity.'
Minister Dillon added: 'I am particularly happy to see funding towards programmes for volunteers and upskilling in Mayo. Our volunteers keep our initiatives running smoothly and we must offer them the opportunity to get all the training they need,
'Our sports clubs are at the heart of our community, bringing people of all backgrounds together. Through this funding I hope that even more people will be able to enjoy the benefits that sports participation and a healthy lifestyle can bring.'
This article has been funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.
