Major funding of €5 million for Kilkenny GAA clubs
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McGuinness welcomes approval of funding of €5 million for Ballyhale Shamrocks and Windgap GAA
John McGuinness TD for Kilkenny and Leas Ceann Comhairle has welcomed the approval by the Minister for Justice of two applications under the Immigrant Investor Visa Programme in the names of Ballyhale and Windgap GAA.
Confirmation from the Minister for Justice has just been received that applications submitted by Ballyhale Shamrocks GAA and Windgap GAA under the former Immigrant Investor Programme have now been approved.
The approval allows for a €2 million investment for Ballyhale Shamrocks GAA and €3 million for Windgap GAA.
Deputy McGuinness said the announcement marks the culmination of a process that began over three years ago when both clubs submitted ambitious applications under the Immigrant Investor Programme, which ceased accepting applications in February 2023.
“This is a very important and positive day for both Ballyhale Shamrocks and Windgap GAA. These applications were submitted over three years ago and there has been a long wait to reach this point, so it is extremely welcome that confirmation has now finally been received,”
Deputy McGuinness said:
“The level of patience, commitment and determination shown by both clubs throughout this lengthy process deserves enormous credit. This announcement is recognition of the huge voluntary effort and vision that exists within these communities.
”Deputy McGuinness said the funding will provide transformative investment in local sporting and community infrastructure.
“Our GAA clubs are central to rural community life. They provide opportunities for young people, support health and wellbeing, strengthen local identity and bring communities together. Investment on this scale will leave a lasting legacy for future generations.”
He also acknowledged the extensive work undertaken behind the scenes by club officers, volunteers and supporters over recent years.
“A huge amount of work went into preparing and progressing these applications. I want to congratulate everybody involved in Ballyhale Shamrocks and Windgap GAA who worked tirelessly to bring these projects to fruition.
”Deputy McGuinness added that while the Immigrant Investor Programme has since been discontinued, it is important that commitments and applications already in the system were brought to a conclusion.
“Given that the programme ceased in February 2023, it was vital that applications already submitted and under consideration were properly processed and concluded. I am delighted that these two deserving Kilkenny clubs have now received this positive outcome.”