Monday, March 22, 2010 Previous editions
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
HORSE RACING IRELAND (HRI) and Special Olympics Ireland have had their funding for core activities reduced by a combined total of €350,000 in the latest round of grants to the country’s national governing bodies (NGBs) for the Irish Sports Council.
Most of the 60 or so NGBS listed saw their allocations cut, which was no surprise given the current economic climate, but most were by nominal amounts apart from aforementioned.
Special Olympics Ireland has had €256,427 cut from its budget which will still top over €2.3m while HRI has had €100,000 removed from a figure that had almost touched a million.
According to an ISC spokesman, it was felt that larger bodies with various sources of income would be able to absorb the cuts better than smaller NGBs that are more reliant on one backer.
The GAA, FAI and IRFU all experienced similar hits in funding last year.
However, both ONAKAI, the amateur karate body, and the Shooting Sports Association of Ireland received no funds whatsoever after being in receipt of €11,500 and €35,450 respectively in 2009.
Neither organisation was deemed to be fully compliant with various rules and regulations. The Irish Clay Pigeon Association, in a similar situation last year when it too received no funds, was awarded €35,000 yesterday.
Overall, €11.85 million will be invested in the core activities of 59 governing bodies including administration, participation programmes, coach development, hosting events, implementing strategic plans and the employment of professional staff.
In addition, 27 sports were allocated grants totalling €1.375m under the 2010 Women in Sport Programme.
Women in Sport is an initiative aimed at increasing sports participation by females that commenced in 2005.
Ossie Kilkenny, chairman of the Irish Sports Council said: "The council is delighted to be in a position to announce substantial grants in the governing bodies in 2010. The sports bodies have benefited from consistent investment in recent years, reflected in stronger organisations delivering essential sports programmes to the community. It is important that the investment is maintained and progress development sustained into the long term."
John Treacy, chief executive of the Council added: "We are committed to supporting the governing bodies of sport. They operate to a very high standard and provide outstanding service to the entire community.
"We are fortunate to have so many excellent sports organisations with talented and committed individuals working in both professional and voluntary capacity."
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