EIGHT LEAGUE OF Ireland clubs have applied for grants totalling €80.6 million as part of the Department of Sport’s latest round of Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Funding.
The applications for facility improvements are part of the government’s overall pot of €120m to be allocated across all sports as they look to develop supporting infrastructure.
It means that clubs in both the Premier and First Division are aiming for a 67% share of the total, and interim FAI chief executive David Courrell admitted they had “lodged our biggest ask yet.”
Bohemians, Drogheda United, Galway United, Shelbourne, Sligo Rovers, Treaty United and Wexford have all applied, with a statement from the FAI confirming that “support has also been provided for an application by Dublin City Council for the redevelopment of Dalymount Park and also towards South Dublin County Council to fund floodlighting upgrade works at Tallaght Stadium, home to Shamrock Rovers.”
It was also announced that “a joint funding application with the IRFU has been made for sustainable renewable energy upgrade work at the Aviva Stadium, host to our senior national teams.”
While €86.2m in funding is being sought for all of these projects, from a total estimated cumulative project cost of €140m, The 42 understands that the figure for the League of Ireland projects is €80.6m.
“The FAI continues to highlight and advocate for increased Government financial support to upgrade Irish football’s infrastructure and facilities across all levels of the game to make them fit for purpose,” a FAI statement read.
It was in June of last year that the FAI cited “chronic” underfunding after they unveiled a document – The Facility Investment Vision and Strategy – that had come as a result of an audit of grassroots and professional facilities across the country.
A headline figure of €863 million to complete 2,500 projects over 15 years was announced, with the government providing €517m, €173m from Local Authorities and the FAI contributing the remaining €173m.
Interim FAI Chief Executive Officer David Courell said: “Irish football has lodged our biggest ask yet under the LSSIF and we thank the clubs and venue hosts for supporting our vision for the future of facilities across Irish football.
“We are extremely grateful to the Government for creating these opportunities of funding streams which demonstrates their ambitious vision for sport and football nationally. As the largest participation sport in the country, we look forward to Government support for these nine projects which will grow the game in Ireland and make a lasting contribution to so many clubs and communities.
“We are excited to see a real kick start of our facilities vision ambitions when the final outcome is announced in the Autumn.”
Tallaght, Dalymount, Tolka and Aviva have all been looked at already! Does soccer not exist beyond the City??
@Ollie Fitzpatrick: u have a very very low bar
@Kevin Bury: They have to be and be seen to be fair and equitable!!
Small money compared to the cash bonfires raging at RTE, HSE, Children’s hospital, ….
Sligo Rovers have a very impressive proposal to develop the Show Grounds.
Galway Utd are looking to develop pitches for their Underage Teams. Treaty also need funding to get their own pitches.
The 80m should be divided up every year between the clubs in both the premier and first division on a needs must basis. Obviously the likes of Tallaght, Turners Cross, RSC wouldn’t need as much as say Dundalk, Drogheda, Sligo, Wexford etc. and divide it up every year until every ground in both divisions are fit for purpose and provide a positive experience for all fans.
FAI really have some neck on them.
The soccer hang “only” are looking for 67% of the overall funding by the government for Irish sports. Why don’t they go for 100% of the funding, it is after all the most successful and enjoyable sport in the country
@WqM9AAv3: successful?
@WqM9AAv3: enjoyable?
It would be a good idea to build up facilities and amenities at some of the smaller clubs. The worry would be how these projects are managed. There is one thing that is certain in Ireland these days and it’s that no project no matter the size stays on budget. You don’t want these smaller clubs with tiny revenues left on the hook for overruns that cripple them afterwards.
Jed ward you must be joking