McCartney welcomes 100 per cent rates relief for amateur sports clubs

The announcement by the Finance Minister that amateur sports clubs will no longer have to pay rates has been welcomed by a Derry MLA.

Sinn Fein’s Raymond McCartney was speaking after Finance Minister Máirtín Ó Muilleoir said 100 per cent rates relief would be extended to sports clubs without bars who registered as Community Amateur Sports Clubs.

Mr McCartney (pictured) said: "Amateur sports clubs such as the GAA and others are the backbone of communities, providing sport and leisure facilities for people of all ages, particularly young people.

"The hard work and dedication of the volunteers and coaches is immense and must be commended.

"This will help sports clubs direct more resources into providing sports services, strengthening and developing local communities.

"Sinn Féin have been calling for this extension of rates relief and I'm delighted it’s now in place and I wish these clubs well in the future."