€70,000 funding to improve walking tracks in Offaly -Clendennen
Funding of €70,000 is to be allocated to three clubs in Offaly to improve the accessibility of existing community walking track facilities, Fine Gael Councillor and General Election candidate John Clendennen has said.
Moneygall Football Club will receive €25,000 in funding, Edenderry Rugby club €20,000 and Tullamore Rugby Club €25,000 as part of the Healthy Ireland Walking Tracks initiative.
Cllr Clendennen said these grants will play a major part in creating safe and inclusive spaces for people of all ages in the community.
“I’m delighted to see this announcement of the successful clubs for the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) and Football Association of Ireland (FAI) Healthy Ireland Walking Tracks initiative from my colleague Minister Colm Burke.
“By supporting these clubs to provide safe and accessible facilities for all, we are making it easier for people to get out and exercise, and to connect with others in our community.
“This funding will promote increased physical activity among all ages by supporting clubs to upgrade their walking tracks which will improve accessibility for people with mobility issues, such as older persons and wheelchair users.
“There are a range of improvements that can come with this money, such as the upgrading or the installation of lighting designed to prolong the hours of usage particularly during the dark winter evenings.
“In Offaly, we are fortunate to have such committed community organisations, with Edenderry RFC, Tullamore RFC and Moneygall FC benefitting from this funding, which will support them to maintain and upgrade their walking tracks.
“The provision of walking tracks is particularly important in rural areas where safe, well-lit walking routes may be limited.
“I’d like to commend all three clubs for the invaluable contribution they make to their communities,” concluded Cllr Clendennen
As part of the initiative, the IRFU and FAI shared in a €1 million fund designed to make pitch-side walking track facilities more accessible to everyone in the community.
A total of 21 clubs were approved for funding by the IRFU and 22 by the FAI, with grants ranging from €10,000 to €50,000.
Minister for Public Health, Well-being and the National Drug Strategy Colm Burke said: “This initiative is a wonderful example of how the Healthy Ireland principles can be harnessed to deliver immediate and lasting benefits for our population.
“Partnership is an important component of Healthy Ireland’s work, as organisations such as the IRFU and FAI are ideally placed to deliver initiatives that support improved health and well-being. By supporting sports clubs to provide safe and accessible facilities for all, we are making it easier for people to get out and exercise, and to connect with others in their community, thereby reducing social isolation.
“I want to congratulate the successful clubs on their innovative proposals for track improvements and I encourage everyone to use their local club walking track to enjoy physical activity in a safe and accessible space.”
FAI CEO David Courell said: “This funding will help improve our club grounds, providing safer and more inclusive facilities that will benefit communities across Ireland. It directly supports our Facility Investment Vision and Strategy by ensuring our clubs remain focal points for health and well-being.”
IRFU CEO Kevin Potts said: “I would like to thank Minister Burke and his department for this welcome funding which will hugely benefit 21 rugby clubs.
“We know that clubs provide a valuable service to local communities and their ability to enhance facilities, to make them safer and more accessible is key to ensuring they continue to thrive and connect. We look forward to welcoming more members to our clubs as the walking programme expands.”