Latest Laois News: Big result for Laois sports clubs as equipment funding announced

Big funding boost for Laois sports clubs and organisations

€548,000 Provided for Sports Equipment to Organisations in Laois and Offaly under the Sports Capital & Equipment Programme

Minister Pippa Hackett has welcomed today’s announcement by her Green Party Colleague, Minister Catherine Martin of €312,263 for Laois and €236,189 for Offaly organisations in equipment grants under the latest round of the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme (SCEP). 

“Today I’m delighted to share the good news for sports organisations of Laois and Offaly,” stated Minister Pippa Hackett.  “This funding supports our local clubs and organisations to provide the facilities necessary to achieve Government objectives of increased participation in sport; and help realise the immense benefits that physical activity can bring to our lives. At a time when we are all buoyed up by our Olympic heroes, this sports equipment funding will hopefully develop our sporting heroes and Olympians of the future.”

Minister Hackett and her husband Cllr Mark Hackett are both runners, and Minister Hackett is the leader of the Mount Lucas parkrun. Cllr Mark Hackett said “As athletics is close to my heart, I am especially delighted to see Edenderry AC Seniors receiving €12,000 in this latest funding round”

This funding announcement relates to equipment grants to local, regional and national bodies and is separate to the funding call for capital funding.

Minister Hackett said “ I understand from my colleague Minister Martin that clubs who submitted applications which include capital funding requests will be assessed in the coming period and are not included in this announcement”

Sean Fleming T.D., Minister of State at the Department of Finance was also to pleased to confirm that 20 Sports Organisations in Laois have received funding under the Sports Equipment Programme.

“We cannot underestimate the benefits these clubs contribute within our communities. In addition to the health and wellbeing benefits from sports , these clubs play a strong part in the social and community spirit supporting teams and individuals.

GAA, Ladies GAA, Soccer, Camoige, Golf, Gymnastics, Martial Arts, Archery, Equestrian Sports, Swimming, Badminton, Athletics, Canoeing / Kayaking are the sports included for funding and its great to see such a wide variety of sports being successful and available in Laois being supported by these grants.

This round of funding under the Sports Equipment Programme is for organisations that submitted applications for equipment only. Those organisations  whose applications included capital and equipment are not included in this announcement, but will be announced after the summer.

I would like to congratulate all organisations on their successful applications and encourage them to acquire their new equipment as soon as possible for the benefit of their communities. I would like to thank all volunteers and wish them continued success.”