Latest news with #SportsCapitalGrant
Irish Independent
04-07-2025
- Sport
- Irish Independent
Funding difficulties delay work on Wicklow sports park
In May 2024 plans for the new facility were unanimously welcomed by the elected members of Bray Municipal District, following a presentation by county council officials on how the project would proceed. During the public consultation process, Ardmore Rovers supporters made over 1,300 submissions, with 11 filed by Ballywaltrim United. There wasn't unanimous support of providing adult exercise equipment, however many acknowledged the need for an upgrade to facilities and an all-weather surface, running track, sand pitches, cycling connections and tracks, and different walks to link up with other areas. There was a call for the new facility to be 'multi-sport' and include everything from soccer and GAA to cycling. The project which will be delivered over five separate phases hit a setback last November, when it failed to secure funding under the Large-Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF). None of the projects for the Garden County were approved. Wicklow County Council was allocated funding in September under the Sports Capital Grant. However, it received just of €153,648 of an estimated €250k to €300k needed to pay for that early stage of the project. The LSSIF would have helped to cover a large part of phase two, which was costed at approximately €1.2m, required to cover just one section of the project, the hugely anticipated running track. Meanwhile, the estimated expenditure for phase three, which includes cycle and BMX tracks, is in the region of €200k. Further pitch upgrades are also included in phase three, at an estimated cost of €120k. Plans for phases four and five have not been fully progressed but are understood to include changing facilities and common area exercise facilities. Speaking during the July meeting of Bray Municipal District, Cllr Dermot Daisy O' Brien said it was important that momentum is not lost in working to get the project off the ground. In agreement Cllr Erika Doyle insisted that residents must not be left feeling like they are being left behind. 'We need to help push this forward.' she added. In response, executive engineer Stephen Fox said it would be premature to provide a timeline on the works. 'The latest update I have is that we're looking at getting a sample lighting design ready for consultants to review.' Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme
Irish Independent
23-06-2025
- Sport
- Irish Independent
Shankill Tennis Club opens new padel courts and junior facilities
The new facilities come about as a result of a €245,000 Sports Capital Grant in 2022, along with support from the local authority. Frank Curran, chief executive of DLR, said the developments were testament to what can be achieved through community partnerships. "Shankill Tennis Club has long been a leader in promoting sport and inclusion, and these new facilities will further enhance opportunities for people of all ages and abilities,' he said. Mr Curran said the local authority would continue to work with the club, along with other groups, to develop facilities that would improve the health and wellbeing of residents in the area. Councillor Jim Gildea, Cathaoirleach of DLR, said the new courts would bring 'lasting benefits' to the local area. "This development not only strengthens the club's role as a hub for community sport but also supports the broader goal of making quality recreational facilities available to everyone. "We would like to acknowledge the positive cooperation and contributions of the club, local groups, and residents—without whom this project would not have been possible,' he said. Chairperson of Shankill Tennis Club, Carol Beamish, said it was one of the largest multisport facilities in the country. "We're a true community club, open to all, and we're incredibly grateful for the continued financial support from Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council and the Sports Council. This latest development simply wouldn't have been possible without their backing,' she said. "From tennis to padel and pickleball, our inclusive programmes support a wide range of needs - including wheelchair and visually impaired tennis - ensuring everyone has the opportunity to enjoy the game.' ADVERTISEMENT The 850-member club opened more than 30 years ago and offers programmes for men, women and children, as well as initiatives aimed at disability tennis and visually-impaired tennis. Padel is a racket sport similar to tennis that originated in Mexico, with the same scoring system as tennis but different rules and technique. The Sports Capital and Equipment Programme, later renamed to the Community Sport Facilities Fund, is the primary vehicle for government support for sports clubs. Government allocated €230m in total through the scheme to sports clubs and facilities last year. Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme
