Minister Cullen announces grants totalling €9.9 million for GAA, FAI and IRFU participation initiatives

Martin Cullen TD, Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism announced today (Wednesday 17 June 2009) grants to the value of €9.9 million to support the work of the major field sports in developing their games around the country. The Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism through the Irish Sports Council has provided this investment and support. The Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) is to receive €3.29 million, the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) €3.5 million and the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) €3.07 million. The specific aim of this funding is to encourage and create more opportunities for young people to participate in field sports with a particular emphasis on working in areas of disadvantage.

Since 2001, the GAA, FAI and IRFU have put in place a series of programmes aimed at maintaining and building participation levels. These 2009 allocations announced today to these three organisations will support extensive participation programmes such as the GAA’s grassroots to national programme, hurling development programme and Dublin Gaelic Games programme. The FAI’s initiatives that will benefit from the funding also include a grassroots programme; player development and coach education initiatives. In relation to the IRFU, the funding will support community rugby development, primary school participation programmes and a national talent programme.

Speaking at the announcement today, Minister Martin Cullen TD said: “The GAA, FAI and IRFU are deeply committed to broadening the participation base of their sports. Supported by the Irish Sports Council, which is funded by my Department, their programmes deliver quality opportunities in sport for every community in Ireland, in which there is a significant benefit derived through the growth of these sports.”

Minister Cullen said: "The GAA, FAI and IRFU are at the very core of broadening and deepening interest and participation in sport and physical activity. This sustained investment in the 'big 3' field sports, together with the Sports Capital Programme, has helped transform these organisations. Each of the three sports is enjoying an era of great success, notably on the fields of play."

Minister Cullen added: “One of the Irish Sports Council's key strategic priorities is increasing participation in sport in Ireland. We know from experience that team sports are particularly important in the younger age range. In an Irish context that puts a particular emphasis on the 'big 3'.”

Since 2001, under this special Government budget measure to encourage greater youth participation in sport, over €60 million has been allocated to the GAA, FAI and the IRFU.

Minister Cullen added: "The work of the GAA, FAI and IRFU is of major significance to the nation as a whole. In particular I want to commend each organisation for their commitment to communities at the margins of their sports or sport in general. Supported by the funding announced here today, their programmes deliver quality opportunities in sport for every community in Ireland."

Ends

Issued by Michelle Hoctor 087 8563070 / Therese O'Connor 087 2908193