Clare local sports awarded over €30,000 under Sports Energy Support Scheme

CLARE Local Sports Partnership has been awarded €35,000 under the Sports Energy Support Scheme, it was announced on Thursday.

Over 1,900 clubs and facilities are set to benefit from €2.5 million investment under the scheme, which was announced by Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin TD, and the Minister of State for Sport and Physical Education, Thomas Byrne TD.

This funding stream aims to help alleviate financial pressure as a result of increased energy costs on clubs, community-led sports facilities, National Facilities and Major Stadiums in Ireland.

Under the Phase I of the Scheme, which covered energy costs for the period up to 31 March, €21 million was distributed through Sport Ireland Recognised National Governing Bodies of Sport (NGBs) to support over 2,000 affiliated clubs and facilities, €1.8 million of which was provided to the National Sports Campus.
 
 Phase II of the Scheme extended the eligibility period to cover energy costs for April and May and sports clubs and organisations that did not apply under Phase I, were able to make an application for funding. 

In addition, community-owned sports facilities not affiliated specifically to an NGB or who did not qualify for other government support schemes, were able to receive support through their Local Sports Partnership (LSP). This ensured that grassroots and community sport received maximum support.

Speaking on behalf of Sport Ireland, Dr. Una May, said: "We would like to thank Ministers Martin and Byrne for their ongoing support. The re-opening of the Sports Energy Support Scheme demonstrates the Government's dedication to alleviating the impact of increased energy costs on sports clubs and organisations, allowing them to continue providing access to sport and physical activity throughout 2023."