€3 million for large scale sports projects
Funding of €3 million has been scored by two sports groups with hopes it will have an enormous impact in the community.
Mallow AC is to receive €2 million for the development of an athletics running track while Cork North West Sports Hub all weather soccer facility is to get €1 million for its development.
The funding was announced under the Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund, which aims to improve and increase active participation in sport across the country.
Speaking about the Cork North West Sports Hub funding, Castleview AFC on the northside of Cork city, said in a post on social media: “This funding marks a pivotal moment for our league, as it enables us to move forward with projects that will have a lasting impact on our players, clubs, and communities. This grant will allow us to address fixture backlogs that have long been a challenge, ensuring that matches can be scheduled more efficiently and with greater consistency.
“We're excited about the potential to develop a dedicated facility that can serve as a home base for the Cork AUL, a place where we can grow our league, nurture emerging talent, and bring our community closer through sport. We extend our deepest gratitude to Padraig O'Sullivan TD, Rodney Power and Ciaran Meehan from Castleview AFC, and the representatives from Cork City Council especially Stephen Scully for their support and commitment to this project. Together, we are building a brighter future for Cork football!”
Meanwhile in Mallow, the Olympic-size eight-lane 400 metre running track will be floodlit to facilitate year-round operation. The track infield will be developed for long jump, triple jump, high jump, pole vault and javelin, while the throwing events; shot put, discus and hammer will also be facilitated.
Cork Athletic said: “The planned track is the first stage of a much larger sporting facility at Carhookeal, which will then include an indoor basketball court, facilities for track and field sports, soccer and rugby pitches, astroturf and tennis courts.”
Cllr Gearóid Murphy said: “We saw in the Olympics recently the amazing potential which Ireland has for athletics and this facility will be a huge boost to promoting sport and healthy living across the county.”
Speaking about both projects, Minister Colm Burke said: “A new ‘use it or lose it’ rule is being implemented to ensure there will be timely delivery of these projects, guaranteeing the people of Cork will benefit from the projects in the near future. We are all well aware of the advantages of participating in sport on our mental and physical health, but also of the positive impact it has on our communities.”