Sportsground wins the battle for big money

Galway City Councillors have made the redevelopment of the Sportsground their top priority in an application for Government grants of up to €30 million.

Presented with four major sports infrastructure projects, councillors were tasked with ranking them in order of priority – and plans to revamp Connacht Rugby’s home ground into a 12,000-capacity stadium got their number one vote.

A special meeting of the local authority heard that while four projects would go forward for funding under the Large Scale Sports Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF), priority had to be given.

Ambitious plans for an €11 million regional aqua sports centre – including a 25m by 34m swimming pool – at Cappagh Park on the western side of the city was given second priority by councillors.

Cllr Ollie Crowe (FF) said that it was crucial that Galway City Council put its weight behind Connacht Rugby as it would benefit the region as a whole.

“In relation to regional balance, regional growth and regional development, it’s paramount that this local authority supports Connacht Rugby,” said Cllr Crowe, adding that whether people were from Salthill, Monivea or Galway City, they should have equal opportunity to “put on the green jersey” – and providing facilities was a major part of that.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.

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