Two Waterford GAA clubs get €15,000 funding each for walking track facilities

Funding of €15,000 has been allocated to both Kilrossanty GAA club and Stradbally GAA club to improve the accessibility of existing community walking track facilities, it has been confirmed.

Fine Gael Senator John Cummins said: “I am delighted that my colleague, Minister for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy, Hildegarde Naughton TD, has announced this funding for Waterford GAA clubs to make their walking tracks more accessible, promoting physical activity and enhancing the overall health and wellbeing of the community.

“One of the primary aims of the project is to encourage clubs to make their facilities available to non-playing members. The provision of walking tracks is particularly important in rural areas where safe, well-lit walking routes may be limited.

“This year over 1,000 clubs took part in the ‘Ireland Lights Up’ campaign with clubs opening their tracks to the community for a six-week walking programme, which displays just how valuable these facilities are for the community.

“€15,000 in funding will be given to Kilrossanty GAA and Stradbally GAA respectively which will be hugely beneficial in creating safe and inclusive places for people of all ages and mobilities.

“I’d like to commend both Kilrossanty GAA and Stradbally GAA and of course clubs throughout Waterford for the invaluable contribution they make to their communities. I have personally worked with both clubs on this funding application. I know they were disappointed earlier in the year not to get an allocation but I had been pushing within government for an additional tranche to be allocated and I’d like to commend my Fine Gael colleague Minister Naughton” Senator Cummins concluded.

In total €800,000 from Healthy Ireland is being provided for the GAA Walking Tracks initiative. It follows an earlier allocation of €815,000, which has enabled 54 GAA, Camogie and LGFA (Ladies Gaelic Football Association) clubs in 26 counties to improve the accessibility of existing community walking track facilities on GAA grounds, including Brickey Rangers and Dunhill GAA clubs.

The funding scheme received a huge level interest, with over 300 clubs submitting applications. An additional €800,000 is now being allocated to several clubs which did not receive funding from the original application process.

Minister Naughton said: “In April, I had the privilege of visiting Oran GAA Club in Roscommon which was among the initial 54 clubs which received funding to upgrade and develop walking tracks.

“The enthusiasm and commitment of all involved in creating inclusive facilities gave me great hope for communities all over Ireland.  I was really keen to support the expansion of this great work so I’m delighted to be visiting Annaduff GAA Club today and announcing an additional €800,000 in funding nationwide.

“Clubs such as Annaduff will now be able to make their walking tracks more inclusive, promoting physical activity and enhancing the overall health and wellbeing of the community.”