New funding scheme for sport clubs

Representatives from sports clubs across the region flocked to Íontas, Castleblayney, last Thursday evening, April 30, to learn how to access up to €200,000 in grants from a new Community Sports Facility Fund.

The Minister for Sport, Charlie McConalogue, attended the mid-Monaghan town at the invitation of Senator Robbie Gallagher (FF).

There was great interest in the new scheme, previously known as the Sports Capital Infrastructure and Equipment Fund.

The Minister said he was delighted to get “feedback” from clubs in terms of the varied “challenges” they’re facing, what their needs are, and how best to make the new scheme practical and accessible to them as possible.

“I look forward now to finalising the next round [of funding], having it opened over the Summer, and being in a position to see the wonderful volunteers that were in the room here tonight developing their facilities.”

Speaking to the Celt, his party colleague Sen Gallagher, highlighted how, in the last quarter of 2024 alone, more than €9 million had been allocated in grants to local clubs and organisations across Cavan and Monaghan.

A robust Q&A session between the Minister and the 90-strong audience followed the presentation.

Clubs, the meeting heard, can apply for infrastructural grants of up to €200,000 and equipment grants of up to €70,000, provided that they meet a certain set of criteria.

In order to qualify, clubs must have long-term leases or own the building they occupy.

A public awareness advertising campaign is also set to launch and, any club that registers or applied to the scheme in previous years, will automatically get an e-mail to tell them it’s open to applications again.

Minister McConalogue also visited the site of the proposed public swimming pool and leisure complex in Carrickmacross, on the Convent Lands, Riverside Road, adjacent to Carrickmacross Civic Offices, C:TEK 1 and C:TEK 2.

Cathaoirleach of Monaghan Co Council P.J. O’Hanlon met the Minister and Senator on-site. “It was fantastic to have the Minister visiting Carrickmacross and being at the actual site where the swimming pool is going to be built. He is full square behind the project. It’s a good news story.”

He praised the Minister for being “generous with his time” and said he’s “connected to rural Ireland”

Cllr O’Hanlon also thanked Senator Gallagher for organising what was “a very positive evening”.

Michelle Murphy of Co Monaghan Sports Partnership also attended the information evening.