Ireland Investing €8.35 Million Into High Performance Sport 2010
The Irish Sports Council’s €8.35 million investment package in High Performance Sport for 2010 was formally announced by Martin Cullen TD, Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism.
At an Irish Sports Council event attended by many of the country’s high performance athletes. As part of the investment package, 16 sports bodies will receive €5.7 million for their High Performance Plans and 273 athletes and four teams will receive €2.65 million under the International Carding Scheme.
Speaking at today’s announcement in Dublin, Minister Cullen said: “This substantial financial support for our athletes is a powerful statement of the Government’s commitment to investment in sport. It is recognition of a very successful year for Irish high performance sport in 2009 and an acknowledgement of the potential of sport to make a real difference to the country as we prepare for forthcoming European Championships and World and Olympic Games.”
The Minister added: “Under the aegis of the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism both the Irish Sports Council and the Irish Institute of Sport play a vital role in the development of competitive sport and the support of our elite athletes. It is very encouraging to see the sports represented here this afternoon by their high performers and key personnel. In particular, I want to welcome the athletes who have taken time out of their schedules to be present. These athletes are the reason we are here today. We aim to provide you with the supports you require, financial and otherwise, in order to fulfil your potential in your chosen disciplines.”
The Sports Minister added: “Today’s announcement of €5.7 million for the high performance plans for 16 sports and a further €2.65 million for athletes under the International Carding Scheme serves to underline the importance we attach to high performance athletes and teams.”
The Minister praised the High Performance Committee, chaired by Eamonn Coghlan, which was established last year to oversee the investment of the Irish Sports Council in elite sport. The Minister said the group, “added tremendous value to the entire process.”
Minister Cullen also said that 2009 was an excellent year for Irish sport. “In cycling, swimming, athletics, golf, equestrian sport, cricket and boxing we saw outstanding performances by Irish sports people at the highest levels of international sport. There are benefits to the nation from those performances. Of course, we all feel a great sense of pride when we witness our best athletes competing well at a global level. This Government is committed to sport and believes in the contribution it makes to our society, for individuals and for communities. The Irish Sports Council has received almost €366 million in funding since it was set up in July 1999 and the allocation from the Department to the Irish Sports Council in 2010 is almost €50 million,” he said.
The Minister added: “The Department’s Sports Capital Programme has provided excellent facilities and equipment all around the country, a number of which are specifically designed to support the elite performer. A total of over 7,400 projects have now benefited from sports capital funding since 1998, bringing the total allocation in that time to over €725 million. This investment is radically transforming the delivery of sport in this country, not least in the high performance sector.”
He also said that the Irish Institute of Sport is fully operational and “was active across all programme areas in 2009. It is now working out of its purpose built headquarters at Abbotstown. The benefits of the work of Gary Keegan (Director of Performance Management) and his team are already apparent.”
In his concluding remarks, Minister Cullen said: “2010 has the potential to be another great year for Irish sport. The Irish Sports Council will continue to deliver to Irish sport throughout the year and we aspire to being consistently successful at the highest levels of international competition. Of course that requires having athletes with the talent and commitment to compete for their country. I want to wish every one of them the very best of luck for the year ahead.”
Topics: 2010, athlete, athletics, boxing, Britain, cricket, current, cycling, Dublin, equestrian sport, equipment, facilities, funding, golf, Governance, government, Government Of Ireland, Great Britain, High Performance Plan, International Carding Scheme, investment, Ireland, Irish, Irish Sports Council, moniter, monitor, new facilities and services, news, sport, sporting event, swimming, teams, U.K., UK, United Kingdom
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