Fine Gael TD Joe Carey has confirmed that seven Clare sports group have been awarded a total of €241,200 in funding  under the latest phase of the Government’s Sports Capital Programme.

The biggest single allocation of €59,600 was made to the Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board for upgrading athletic tracks.

Two Shannon projects were among the recipients with €54,200 allocated to Shannon Town soccer club for the construction of dressing rooms and €48,000 to St Senan’s Rugby Club for an extension to the clubhouse.

€51,800 was allocated to the Clare Agricultural Show Society for the upgrading of the indoor and outdoor showjumping arenas at Drumbiggle, Ennis; €10,400 to O’Callaghans Mills GAA Club to upgrade drainage system at the club grounds; €14,500 to Coolmeen GAA Club to upgrade shower facilities and dressing rooms and €2,700 to the Clare District Soccer League for a safety project at Frank Healy Park in Ennis.

“This initial round of Sports Capital allocations has been made to clubs and organisations that had their applications ruled invalid in the last round of the Sports Capital Programme. They were given the opportunity to amend their applications which were then reassessed by the Department of Sport,” Deputy Carey explained

“Local sports organisations are constantly trying to improve their facilities and I know the difficulties that they encounter in trying to raise money. So being able to deliver this money to the constituency is important for me.”

“Minister of State for Sport, Brendan Griffin has also told me that he hopes to be in position to make the next funding announcement for the Sports Capital Programme in the coming months,” Deputy Carey added.

CAPTION: Deputy Joe Carey with members of St Senan’s Rugby Club outside the clubhouse in Tullyvarraga.