Minister Dillon welcomes €90,000 investment for Mayo clubs
Minister of State Alan Dillon TD has welcomed funding of €90,000 for four Mayo clubs under the second phase of the Healthy Ireland Walking Tracks initiative.
Castlebar Rugby Club (€15,000); Ballyhaunis Rugby Club (€25,000); Manulla Football Club (€25,000); and Claremorris AFC (€25,000), will benefit from this latest round of investment, enabling them to upgrade and enhance their walking track facilities.
This funding forms part of the €900,000 national allocation announced by Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill TD and Minister for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy Jennifer Murnane O’Connor TD, which will support 35 IRFU and FAI clubs across Ireland.
The investment will deliver practical improvements such as: Upgraded lighting to extend safe usage of walking tracks during winter evenings; enhanced accessibility for people with mobility issues, ensuring inclusive facilities; maintenance and upgrades to existing walking track surfaces and boundaries.
Minister Dillon said: “I am delighted to see Mayo clubs’ benefit from this Healthy Ireland initiative. Castlebar and Ballyhaunis Rugby Clubs, Claremorris AFC, and Manulla FC are central to their communities, and these upgrades will make their facilities more inclusive and accessible. Walking tracks are not just for players, they provide safe, welcoming spaces for families, older people, and those seeking to improve their health and wellbeing.
“This investment will help strengthen community hubs across Mayo, encouraging more people to get active and socially connect in safe environments.”
The Healthy Ireland Walking Tracks initiative was launched in 2022 and has already supported over 60 clubs nationwide. Phase two provides €450,000 each to the IRFU and FAI, with grants ranging from €15,000 to €30,000 per club.
The programme builds on earlier phases which funded GAA clubs and the first round of IRFU/FAI clubs, ensuring that communities across Ireland, particularly in rural areas, have access to safe, well-lit walking routes.