A €260,000 investment has been announced today to build a top-class community athletics centre in Carrick.
The grant for Coláiste na Carraige has been welcomed as a gamechanger for the school, local communities, clubs and organisations.
The multi-sports project is being funded through the Department of Culture, Heritage and Gaeltacht.
It will include athletics and field sports facilities for long jump, high jump, pole jump, running track with lanes and a 300m walking path around the perimeter, an all-weather pitch and two five-a-side football pitches.
The plan also includes 10 pieces of fitness equipment for adults and a fence and lighting around the facility. The tartan running track is being built to the highest standards with special anti-damp finish.
Minister Joe McHugh was delighted to announce the funding today, saying:
“Is mór an onóir dom a bheith in ann maoiniú de €191,753 ón Rialtas a dheimhniú chun saoráid spóirt agus lúthchleasaíochta agus aclaíochta a chruthú i gColáiste na Carraige,” a dúirt an tAire McHugh.
“Almost €260,000 is to be invested in our school children, clubs and communities by creating a top class athletics centre in Coláiste na Carraige. The Government has now committed €191,753 to the project with another €65,000 coming through the work of the Committee behind the ambitious plan.
“It follows other positive investment decisions in the area in the last couple of years with €200,000 for the Kilcar Digital Hub in the Town and Village Renewal scheme and €97,000 for an extension to Áislann Cill Chartha funded through Roinn na Gaeltachta as well as €70,000 Sports Capital money for the centre.
“Is é an rud atá le feiceáil againn anseo ná tacaíocht dhíreach ón Rialtas do shaoráid il-spóirt sa chuid seo de chontae Dhún na nGall a mbainfidh pobail scoile agus clubanna, cumainn agus eagraíochtaí tairbhe as ar feadh na mblianta.
“It will create a new home for fitness courses, for training, for PE and for athletes to test themselves and for clubs to attract and nuture new raw talent. I am also delighted to hear about the support from local football clubs, Tallow Rowing Club and primary schools.
“Baineann sé fosta leis an teanga. Táimid ag tacú le pobal Gaeltachta. Cuirfidh bonn mar seo ar chumas grúpaí teanga an méid a thairgeann siad a leathnú agus an dóigh a chuireann siad ar fáil í agus a chinntiú go méadóidh úsáid na Gaeilge i measc na gcóitseálaithe agus na lúthchleasaithe. Ní thiocfá leis a bheith ach go maith dár dteanga.”
Minister McHugh added: “A sincere thanks to Príomhaire Sean Kyne, Aire Stáit don Ghaeilge, Gaeltacht agus na hOileáin. AS Kyne sees the value in a big project like this that ticks a lot of boxes for the Irish language, for community, for sports and education, for fitness and health.
“This investment will be reaping rewards for many years to come and I am delighted to be able to announce it.”
