Chris Andrews (Dublin Bay South, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Households and businesses must be to the forefront of any debate on the energy crisis and payments. Families are struggling and, as has previously been said, households are having to decide whether to eat each day. Businesses are also under great pressure. However, it is also important not to forget that sports clubs around the country play an important role in improving our mental, emotional and physical health and that they are also under great pressure. I acknowledge the Government's allocation of €35 million for sports clubs. It is important and welcome but it was announced two weeks ago and clubs are still waiting for clarity on and communication about how that payment will be distributed. There is a concern that the €35 million will go to clubs that have a large number of professional members and that smaller and less well funded and resourced clubs will miss out. We have to ensure that does not happen.

With regard to swimming, a national swimming strategy is being formulated while, at the same time, swimming clubs are very concerned that they will have to close. It is not cheap to run a swimming pool. Clarity will be needed as to whether swimming pools will close over the winter months. Sports clubs are switching to training one day a week to ensure the cost of running the flood lights will not put them out of business and into massive debt. Swimming is one of the most popular physical activities across all ages. It is really important that swimming pools not be allowed to close. Pools like those in Rathmines and Markievicz Sports and Fitness Centre need to be funded. We need to ensure these facilities are supported throughout the winter months.

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