Denise Mitchell (Dublin Bay North, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The recently published FAI master plan outlined the considerable investment that would be needed in grassroots football in the coming year. It identified that approximately €430 million was needed to bring grassroots football up to a decent standard. For decades, we have seen volunteers pour their hearts and souls into their local football clubs. Without them, many of our local football clubs would not exist.

In my area, many of our clubs have been fighting and campaigning for years for all-weather facilities. They have engaged with local councils and others, but to no avail. Come September, our local teams will have nowhere to train. We are on the eve of the women’s football team competing in their first world cup, yet we still have women and young girls changing in cars on the side of pitches and roads. This is shocking.

For its plan, the FAI surveyed clubs at grassroots level and found that 55% of them did not own their own facilities and 25% had leases of less than one year.

It is very difficult for the clubs to plan for their future when they are so worried about the present. For these reasons they are not even considered when it comes to funding. I support this motion and I hope the Government backs the FAI plan. It can only benefit our young people and our communities

See this speech in context