€230m in funding announced for sports clubs

€230 million in sports capital grants has been announced by the Government for clubs and facilities around the country.

This is the largest ever figure and 50% higher than two years ago.

1,996 separate grants have been approved covering 40 different sports.

A formal announcement was made this morning by ministers from the three coalition parties.

Asked whether the timing of the news was scheduled to happen just ahead of an election, Minister for Sport Catherine Martin said it was always planned to be announced at this time.

She added that the total figure in the previous announcement two years ago had also been an increase.

"This is a recognition of the value of sport and the value of investment in sport."

Minister of State Thomas Byrne said applications came in from May and they took time to process.

"This is funding that was eagerly sought and needed by clubs and communities up and down the country," he said.

GAA clubs and counties will receive close to €97m of the €230m funding.

Soccer teams at League of Ireland and grassroots level will benefit from over €41m.

Golf has received €11.4m, while rugby was allocated almost €10m.

Tennis has benefited by €6.5m and athletics close to €4m from 29 applicants.

Did your club receive funding? Click here to see the full list

There was annoyance in Fine Gael yesterday that some Fianna Fáil TDs had broken the embargo to announce local projects in their areas.

Minister for Public Expenditure Paschal Donohoe said he would not describe that behaviour as "constructive".

However he added that the three coalition parties were working well together.

A further €120m will be distributed under the Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund in October.