Calls for Government to support plans for major sports facility in Waterford
Waterford TD David Cullinane asked Taoiseach Micheál Martin about the project in the Dáil recently
Calls have been made for the Government to support plans for a major sports facility in West Waterford.
Waterford Sinn Féin TD David Cullinane spoke on the subject in the Dáil recently.
Deputy Cullinane said: “The West Waterford Athletic Club has ambitious plans to develop a new regional athletics facility at St. Augustine's College in Dungarvan.
“The club has secured a 50-year lease and is working towards an eight-lane, 400m track, full track and field facilities and a clubhouse with an estimated investment of €4 million.
“There is currently no athletics facility in West Waterford or East Cork.”
He continued by outlining the struggles that local athletes having in accessing adequate facilities.
“I know many of the athletes travel to either Waterford city or Clonmel. I know Waterford City and County Council is supportive of this project, as are many athletic clubs.
“Given that it straddles two counties, it would be fantastic for the people in west Waterford and also east Cork.”
Deputy Cullinane concluded by calling on Taoiseach Micheál Martin to push for the project to be supported by the Government.
“I ask the Taoiseach to contact the relevant Minister and ensure this is properly looked at in relation to funding. The cost is €4 million.
“Obviously, the clubs themselves will try to fundraise, which they are doing. Any support they can get from the State would be really welcome.”
In response, the Taoiseach outlined the Government’s support of sport and the funding it has provided to various projects nationwide.
Deputy Martin said: “The Government is extremely supportive of sport. Over the past number of years, and particularly with sports capital grants or the large-scale sports capital grants, we have been responsive to a lot of big submissions.
“Athletics is a key sport and I think the group involved have been in touch with all of the Waterford deputies.
“I knew there was a movement in Midleton for something as well. I do not know whether they are engaged in this particular project or not.”
The Taoiseach continued by saying that the Government would examine what funding the project is eligible for.
“The deputy is saying this project has the premises and land. We will have to look at it in more detail to see whether it is more suitable for large-scale sports capital grants as opposed to the sports capital grants.
“It probably would not be in the ballpark of what is required. It is a good initiative and we will endeavour to be supportive.”
Following the exchange, Waterford Sinn Féin TD Conor McGuinness also called on the Government to support the project.
In a post on Facebook, Deputy McGuinness wrote: “An athletics facility for West Waterford is badly needed and long overdue.
“The plans for a new 400m, eight-lane athletics track and full facilities at St Augustine’s College in Dungarvan would be a major investment in sport, health and our wider community.
“There is currently no athletics track in West Waterford or East Cork, meaning athletes must travel to access proper facilities.”
He concluded by saying that he and Deputy Cullinane will continue working with the clubs involved to help secure the support and funding needed to make the project a reality.