Leitrim Sporting Clubs to Benefit from Record €250m Government Sports Fund

Leitrim sporting bodies are set to receive a significant boost as part of a record-breaking €250 million Government fund aimed at enhancing sports facilities nationwide. The announcement, made by Minister for Sport Catherine Martin, marks a 50% increase in funding from the last round of the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme (SCEP). The allocations are expected to be revealed in the autumn, bringing much-anticipated relief to local sports clubs across Leitrim.

Fine Gael TD Frank Feighan confirmed that almost 90 applications from the Sligo/Leitrim constituency have been submitted under the Community Sports Facilities Fund (CSFF). Feighan expressed optimism that all valid applications will receive funding, providing a major lift to local volunteers and clubs who have worked tirelessly to secure financial support.

“I am heartened to hear that every valid application will receive some funding, which is great news for the volunteers who put in so much effort preparing their applications,” Feighan stated during Dáil questions.

The SCEP has played a pivotal role in transforming sports infrastructure across Ireland since 1998, with over 13,000 projects funded to date. This year’s €250 million fund is expected to further improve facilities like pitches, gymnasiums, and sports halls throughout Leitrim, where investment in local infrastructure is seen as essential for promoting community participation in sports.

Leitrim’s sporting clubs have been eagerly awaiting news on their funding applications. With the new fund offering a 50% increase from previous rounds, hopes are high that many local projects will finally receive the financial backing they need to move forward. The programme’s focus on both capital works and equipment upgrades is expected to benefit a wide range of sports, from soccer and GAA to athletics and swimming.

Feighan highlighted the importance of the funding, particularly for clubs working on large-scale infrastructure improvements. “There are almost 90 applications across Sligo and Leitrim, and my hope is that every club that submitted a valid application will receive the majority of the funding they have applied for,” he said.

He also emphasized the transformative impact of the grants on local communities, noting that better facilities encourage increased participation in sports, which in turn leads to healthier lifestyles. "This investment will help more young people, boys and girls, get involved in sport, which can only lead to positive health outcomes,” Feighan added.

“I am anxious to see the Sligo Rovers application under the LSSIF scheme getting the necessary support as I have campaigned and lobbied intensively for support for what is a really important investment in soccer and sport in the Northwest Region.

“I have also sought support under the LSSIF scheme for the Shannonside Recreational Campus based at Carrick-on-Shannon which again represents a significant infrastructural improvement in all round sports facilities in the region of South Leitrim/North Roscommon areas.” 

While the final allocations for Leitrim clubs will be announced in the autumn, the outlook is promising. The increased fund should ensure that a wide range of projects—whether it’s upgrading pitches, installing floodlights, or expanding multi-use sports facilities—get the backing they need to proceed.

For Leitrim’s sports community, this record-breaking investment could not come at a better time, offering clubs the chance to improve their facilities and ultimately boost participation in local sports.