€85 million funding package announced for Irish sport

AN €85 million funding package for the Irish sport sector, which has been significantly impacted by the various Covid-19 restrictions imposed since March, has been welcomed by a Mayo senator.

Speaking on the matter, Fianna Fáil senator Lisa Chambers said: “This is very welcome news and much needed as the sports sector has been significantly impacted by the various Covid-19 restrictions imposed since March”

“The funding is being provided to National Governing Bodies (NGB) and Local Sports Partnerships which means that grassroots clubs across Ireland are set to benefit, with just under 89,000 euro being allocated to the Mayo sports sector,” she said

“A breakdown of the allocation to the Mayo sports sector shows €75,450 will be provided under the Local Sports Partnerships and Participation Sports Innovation Projects and €13,400 Local Sports Partnerships and Participation Sports Innovation Projects” she continued.

“This funding is crucial and will address the threat to National Governing Bodies and their club networks, allowing sports organisations to off-set significant losses incurred in recent months and add a semblance of certainty to planning for 2021” she stated.

“I hope that this announcement will relieve the stress and anxiety many grassroot clubs are feeling about their future. Sport is of the utmost importance, it plays a key role right across our society, we must do everything we can to protect it and I am delighted to see such a significant investment from the Government to ensure that,” she concluded.