Further funding announced for Galway sports facilities

By James Varley

Funding has been secured for four different projects in Galway as part of the national plan to develop sports and community facilities.

The grants have been awarded to Carnacashel GAA Club and Bearna/Na Forbacha Hurling Club as part of an initiative to support sporting projects in the Gaeltacht. Both clubs will get a share of €311,849 that has been allocated to sports clubs and boards in the Mayo and Galway Gaeltacht regions.

This is on top of initial first round funding received for the development of a basketball court, table tennis and chess tables in Tuam public park, as well as development of the East Galway Eco Park in Ballinalsoe. €60,000 has been allocated between these two projects.

This €2.56 million Local Sports Partnerships Fund is in line with the Government’s aims to achieve a 60 per cent participation level in sport by 2027 by encouraging physical activity in local communities nationwide.

Minister of State for the Gaeltacht, Thomas Byrne TD says that funding for facilities will go a long way for increasing participation in sport.

“As a Government, we want to see our participation levels in sport and physical activity maximised to the greatest extent possible. Budget 2025 represented a landmark moment for Irish sport with our target of doubling the sport budget compared to 2018 levels being reached two years ahead of schedule.”

He also emphasised the importance of the Irish language and Gaeltacht areas in the lives of young people.

“The connection between sport and the Irish language for the Gaeltacht youth is a central measure in the language planning process and I am sure that the current grants will help language planning officers as they seek to create opportunities for young people so that they can use the Irish language inside and outside the education system.”