There was disappointment in Louth GAA circles when they failed to benefit from Monday’s announcement of 35 major sports projects nationally which are to receive funding to the tune of €173m.
Louth GAA had been hoping for funding via the Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF) for their Stadium Project which has been beset by delays and funding issues over the last few years. It has been reported that they were looking for just over €7m to go towards the cost of the new stadium which will be located at the Inner Relief Road.
The cost to build the new stadium is €23.5m. Funding of €14.8m from the Immigrant Investor Programme (IIP) has been secured already.
Independent candidate for the forthcoming General Election called the decision not to award funding for the Louth GAA Stadium project, an ‘absolute disgrace’.
The General Election Candidate said that, “Like a large majority of people I am in total disbelief that this project has been left out of its Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF)”.
To see such a vital and real project that would be of such tremendous benefit to the county being given access to zero funding is extremely concerning.
To see 35 announcements made and hailed as a great result whilst this much needed project has been denied funding is simply not acceptable. Why have we radio silence from government reps on this project, you can’t take the credit for some projects and hide from those let down.
I am demanding a senior government representative or a government Oireachtas member for the county issues a statement in respect of this matter, the GAA and the People of the County at least should expect to be afforded that courtesy,” stated Cllr Callan.
When asked to comment on the decision not to award Louth GAA any funding for the stadium project, current chairman of the Louth County Board, Sean McClean said that the Louth County Board were currently in talks with the Department at the moment and they should have a clearer picture of what if any funding is coming down the line for the project.
