Equestrian sport gets €2m funding boost
Almost €2m in public money is to be spent on promoting equestrian sport this year, the Government announced today.
Dozens of other sporting organisations will share €9.5m funding allocated through the Irish Sports Council’s budget of almost €50m.
The cash to 58 sports governing bodies is up 16% from last year’s grant aid, according to Sports Minister John O’Donoghue.
“The work of national governing bodies in the delivery of sports programmes is one of the pillars of sports policy and the Government appreciates this work,” he said.
Horse Sport Ireland – the newly set up body for equestrian sport and breeding - is to get €1.85m of this year’s funding round.
The Athletics Association of Ireland is to receive €1.2m to fund its network of regional development officers and promote the sport.
The Irish Cricket Union has been allocated €72,122, as part of an overall €290,000 package, for its World Cup trip to the Carribean in the Spring.
Special Olympics Ireland is to get €917,000 to support athletes travelling to the World Games in Shanghai, China.
Basketball Ireland has been allocated €639,000 while Swim Ireland is to get €591,000 to fund staff development officers and promote swimming.
Ossie Kilkenny, Chairman of the Irish Sports Council, said it was working to increase participation in sport.
“Governing bodies are central to achieving that aim and our investment in these sports organisations will be focused on ensuring enhanced quantity and quality of participation,” he added.
