Absence of National Sports Strategy criticised by Louth's Byrne

Louth Sinn Féin General Election candidate, Cllr Joanna Byrne, has expressed concern at the growing pressure facing sporting communities and the families who rely on them, as the cost of living crisis continues to escalate in Louth.

Commenting on her party’s manifesto commitments to sport Cllr Byrne stated: “It will come as no surprise to anyone who knows me that my twin passions are sports and politics, and that I am a huge advocate for investment in sport which is key to building a healthier population and strengthening communities.

“While successive governments have talked about a 'National Sports Strategy' they have not developed or delivered any such plan. In fact Eurostat figures show that we have one of the worst ratios of sport to GDP. I believe that reversing this and developing a strategy is a very important piece of work for the next government , and that Louth needs to be front and centre of this work .

“Sinn Féin for our part have set out our detailed proposals on investing in sport, in our manifesto. We recognise the link between investing in sport and the reduction of child poverty and I believe that sport can play an important role in improving the lives of young people.

“Sinn Féin want to lead the next government and if given the opportunity to do so, I want to be elected as a TD for Louth to join a government that will radically improve our sports facilities.”