I am delighted to confirm that the following organisations received funding from the Sports Capital Programme 2015 today:

12th Port Sandycove Canoeing Club
Blackrock College Rugby Football Club
Cuala GAA
Curragh Sub Aqua Club
Dalkey Scubadivers
Dalkey United AFC
De Vesci Lawn Tennis Club
Dun Laoghaire Motor Yacht Club
Sailing in Dublin Club
St. Michael’s Rowing Club
The National Yacht Club
The Royal St. George Yacht Club
Trojan Gymnastic Club

It is very welcome that once again, Sports Capital funding is being provided to clubs and local organisations here in Dun Laoghaire and around the country.

The economic recovery allowed this Government to re-instate the Sports Capital Programme, after it was closed by Fianna Fáil during the recession. We understand the importance of sport to communities around the country and the imperative to fund it. Money spent on sport, is money saved on healthcare down the road. According to the Department of Sport, 90% of Sports Capital recipients say it has helped them to increase the numbers of people involved in sport.

Fine Gael is keenly aware of the impact the economic downturn has had on communities throughout Ireland and we are working to ensure that the economic recovery spreads to all parts of Ireland. This Government is committed to supporting local communities, with actions and funding like these Sports Capital grants.

Congratulations to each of these dedicated clubs on this welcome funding. I look forward to continuing to support the efforts of sports organisations in the Dun Laoghaire community.