Mark Ward (Dublin Mid West, Sinn Fein)

Collinstown Football Club in my area is right at the heart of my community. There are 28 teams with over 400 players.

Since 2019, it has been waiting for a dressing room from South Dublin County Council through a sports capital grant. Nothing happened until 2024 and the club had to apply for more money because of the delay which meant costs had spiralled. This football team, which caters for boys, girls, men's and women's teams, has no dressing room. Some 400 players are without a dressing room. It is simply not good enough. South Dublin County Council is prioritising two other projects in the next while, but they have been delayed. Collinstown Football Club will not be provided with a dressing room until the other projects have been completed. There is delay after delay. Sports capital grants are welcome, but they must be put in place in a timely manner.

I am an avid League of Ireland supporter. I am never happier than when I am in Richmond Park cheering on St. Pat's at the weekend. I am a season ticket holder and I want to take this opportunity to wish St. Pat's all the best in the League of Ireland semi-final on Friday night against Cork City. The standard of football in the League of Ireland has improved dramatically over the years, but the clubs need more help. It is crucial that the League of Ireland gets funding for its academies in the upcoming budget, not only to protect the game but also to preserve football for future generations so that my kids can go and watch the standard of League of Ireland improve year after year.

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