Fine Gael Kildare South TD and Minister Martin Heydon, has welcomed the allocation of €50,000 for the development of walking tracks at two Kildare GAA Clubs. Castlemitchell GAA and Suncroft GAA have each been awarded €25,000, from the Healthy Ireland GAA Walking Tracks initiative which was confirmed today by the Minister for Public Health, Wellbeing, and the National Drugs Strategy, Hildegarde Naughton.
Minister Heydon said, “The funding scheme has attracted huge interest, with over 300 clubs submitting applications across the country. Clubs which scored highest in the competitive selection process were awarded funding of between €10,000 and €25,000, and I am glad to see that both Castlemitchell GAA and Suncroft GAA received the highest award available.”
“Today’s announcement follows earlier allocations awarded in April to improve walking track facilities at Two Mile House and Rathcoffey GAA Clubs who received €15,000 and €10,000 respectively to upgrade their community walking tracks.”
“I wish all the clubs well in their work. One of the key elements of the project is to encourage clubs to make their facilities available to non-playing members. The provision of walking tracks is particularly important in rural areas where safe, well-lit walking routes may be limited.
“Congratulations to both Castlemitchell & Suncroft club committees on submitting strong applications which have been rewarded recognising the valuable contribution our clubs and volunteers make towards the health and wellbeing of their communities”, conclude Minister Heydon.