Major boost as €5.4 million funding announced for Kilkenny sports clubs

Kilkenny is to receive €5.4 million in funding under the latest round of the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme.

A total of €250 million has been announced by Green Party Minister for Sport Catherine Martin, representing the largest-ever investment in sports facilities across the country and a 50% increase on the funding allocated in early 2022 under the 2020 round of the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme. Green Party TD for Carlow Kilkenny and Minister for Nature, Heritage and Electoral Reform Malcolm Noonan has welcomed Kilkenny’s bumper allocations today.

“The sheer scale of this round of the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme should mean that all valid applications received have resulted in positive allocation decisions," he said.

"Right across Kilkenny that means 47 clubs, teams, schools and local authority facilities are getting very good news today, with individual grants ranging from a couple of thousand euro for equipment upgrades right up to half a million euro for an all weather pitch, and this follows on from the 24 clubs that received their equipment-only grants back in May. 

“This is really great news for sporting organisations across our city and county, and for their members, athletes and volunteers. As a Government, we committed to 60% overall participation in sport by 2027 and funding levels on this scale can only help to bring us closer to that goal. Following on from Ireland’s incredible success at the Olympics, today’s announcement is a significant demonstration of this Government’s commitment to the sports sector, and with this particular round of the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme offering larger grants, encouraging sustainability initiatives, and levelling the playing field with a focus on gender equality, it’s a reminder of the important role that sport plays in society and the wider community.

“Sports clubs have always been at heart of our communities, and anything that helps them keep providing the space and the opportunity for people to come together and participate in healthy activities and share in the success of a local team or a local athlete has to be welcomed. Last year I wrote to many clubs across Carlow and Kilkenny alerting them that this scheme was open and encouraging them to apply for this really key funding stream. Today I want to congratulate all the clubs that have been successful in their applications.”

READ NEXT: LOCAL SCHOOL IN JUNK KOUTURE FINALS