Our Olympic athletes went above and beyond. They asserted Ireland’s standing in international sport and reminded us of the power of sport in our local communities.
Sport:
Sinn Féin will represent a radical step change in how the Government views sport in Dublin and Ireland.
From the grassroots up, sport has been utterly underfunded for decades. Year after year, Ireland has the lowest investment in sport and recreation across the European Union. We cannot plaster over the cracks and expect everything to be fine.
If we are not providing adequate funding at a grassroots and regional level, in terms of facilities and trainers, we will never see our sporting community reach its full potential.
Ireland’s success at the Paris Olympics showed us the real power of sport. Our Olympic athletes went above and beyond. They asserted Ireland’s standing in international sport and reminded us of the power of sport in our local communities. These athletes will be role models for children and teenagers for years to come.
It’s the job of Government to ensure that Irish sport has the resources and facilities that our young athletes need, whatever their level. Sinn Féin is up for that challenge. Now is time for a radical step change in how the Government views sport in Ireland.
Our vision for Dublin includes:
Providing every child, between the ages of 4 and 18, with an Activity Card worth €130 to spend on extra-curricular sports or arts activities.
Urgently delivering sports facilities projects: The Large-Scale Sports Infrastructure Fund, introduced in 2018, is moving at a glacial pace, with only €9.3 million spent from a fund of €124 million.
Supporting the re-development of Dalymount Park, Richmond Park and Tolka Park.
Carrying out an audit of all local sports facilities to identify gaps in current provision and future needs.
