- Upgrades will prolong hours of club usage this winter
North Cork Fine Gael Councillor John Paul O’Shea has welcomed the news that GAA clubs in Cork will be more accessible to the community due to a funding boost from Healthy Ireland.
Cllr. O’Shea was speaking in relation to the funding of €800,000 which will be focused on enhancing walking tracks to ensure they are more accessible to those with mobility issues, older persons, and wheelchair users.
Cllr. O’Shea said: “This grant is transformative and will encourage people to utilise the fantastic facilities right on their doorstep. I encourage all GAA clubs in Cork to apply.
“This announcement from my Fine Gael colleague and Minister of State with responsibility for Public Health, Well Being and National Drugs Strategy, Frank Feighan, will help revitalise our communities. The boost will also allow for the upgrading or installation of lighting, designed to prolong the hours of usage which will prove essential during this cold and dark winter.
“Fine Gael is committed to delivering stronger, safer communities across Ireland. It is essential that people have access to viable walking infrastructure. Our GAA clubs in Cork are at the heart of the locality and generates a real sense of community spirit. GAA’s Ireland Lights Up typically captures this spirt and is a tradition for many.
“The initiative will run in January/February 2023 in conjunction with RTÉ’s ‘Operation Transformation’. I look forward to our community participation and would encourage people to sign up and get involved. Accessibility and safety are at the core of this upgrade and underpins the work being conducted by Healthy Ireland. The entire community will have access to this facility, and will reap the health and wellbeing benefits,” concluded Cllr. O’Shea.
Additional Info:
Healthy Ireland grant details:
The funding will be determined via a competitive application process. It is open to all GAA, LGFA, and Camogie clubs in the 26 counties with an existing walking track/amenity. GAA/LGFA/Camogie clubs that use the same facilities are required to submit a joint application. Only one application per club allowed.
The Healthy Ireland grant funding may be used to:
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Upgrade existing walking track surfaces
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Improve access/usability for persons with mobility issues
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Install/upgrade to LED lighting along existing walking track route
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Upgrade/maintain existing walking track boundaries
Funding is not applicable for:
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Development of new walking tracks
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Floodlighting for pitches that also lights walking tracks (or sections thereof)
A club may apply for one of the grant funding amounts below:
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Up to €10,000
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Up to €25,000
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Up to €50,000
To access the application process, click HERE
For more information on Ireland lights Up or the Irish Life GAA Healthy Clubs Steps Challenge click HERE
