Dáil committee hears of funding gap for sports facilities in Arklow
The Wicklow PeopleThe Department of Culture, Communications and Sport has been asked if changes could be made to how state funding is allocated to local sports clubs.
In 2024 49 sports groups in Wicklow received almost €6 million in Sports Capital Grant funding.
However, speaking during a meeting of the Joint Committee on Arts, Media, Communications, Culture and Sport Wicklow-Wexford TD Brian Brennan asked if more can be done to support groups who apply but ultimately miss out.
“From my brief time in politics I fear that some areas have been totally ignored,” he said.
“Take Arklow for example, which is in my area. Arklow doesn’t have a town park, in terms of the arts, it doesn’t have a theatre. There are 16,000 people there who need more facilities.”
He queried whether there are any criteria whereby support is provided to those who have received little or no support in the past.
In response junior minister Charlie McConalogue acknowledged Deputy Brennan’s advocacy for the town.
“The gaps that exist in the area is something we will be considering and reviewing in relation to the criteria in advance of launching the new round of funding.”
The scheme was set up to help clubs develop accessible, safe and sustainable facilities and to provide appropriate equipment to help maximise participation in sport and physical recreation.