Seán Kyne (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the announcement today of an additional €10 million from the large-scale sports infrastructure fund for the redevelopment of the Sportsground in Galway, which is the home of Connacht rugby. The first announcement came in January 2020 when €10 million was granted as part of the first phase of what was a €20 million project. There was some disappointment at the time that only - I say that cautiously - €10 million was offered. They needed €20 million. When I served as Government Chief Whip under An Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, I was delighted that we received a letter of comfort for the additional €10 million. I am delighted that those funds have come through today and that this announcement has been made. This investment by the State is hugely important in terms of sports facilities. Connacht Rugby deserves the best. It deserves to have facilities that are as good as anywhere else in the country. It fought for its survival a number of years ago when there were moves to disband it and to focus elsewhere. The redevelopment now is great to see. They started with the laying of the new pitch as the first phase. There are plans for a new training centre and the redevelopment of the Clan stand. This investment is hugely important for the economy of Galway city because thousands of people come into the heart of the city on match days. It is within walking distance of Ceannt Station, which is also to be redeveloped. This is a wonderful news story for Galway and for the region. Connacht rugby's patrons come from all over Connacht. It is great news for Galway. It is important that the State continues to invest in sporting facilities throughout the country. It is important for the sports themselves but it is also a huge boost for the economy. It inspires the next generation of youngsters - boys and girls - to go out and play their sports, such as rugby, as in this case, Gaelic games and soccer, etc. This is a great news story for Galway and the west.