Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Sandra Mailer/INPHO
Sports

€1.5 million announced by Ross is new 'windfall' funding

Questions had been asked about where the funding had come from.

THE €1.5 MILLION in sports funding that was announced by Sports Minister Shane Ross on Monday is new funding that will be added to his department’s budget.

Ross made the announcement in front of the Irish women’s hockey team as they returned yesterday from the Women’s Hockey World Cup, where they were runners-up.

Questions had been raised about the nature of the funding, but the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport has confirmed to TheJournal.ie that the funding is an addition to its 2018 budget, as opposed to being previously announced money.

It is understood the money has become available due to a “windfall” in Ross’s department. TV3 journalist Gavan Reilly reports that the money is the result of a €12 million payment to the department from the Irish Aviation Authority, which is being split evenly between the Department of Transport and all other departments.

The Minister said that in respect to what the Irish hockey team has done, “and in particular because of the timing of what you’ve done”, the government has decided to give an extra €1.5 million for Olympic and world champion preparation.

He said that hockey “will enjoy a significant share of that particular funding”.

The allocation of the money will be left to Sport Ireland, but its purpose is to assist those teams who are preparing for world championships. It is also understood that Ross will lobby for the €1.5 million to be kept as part of his budget for 2019, when it can be used to assist Irish organisations preparing for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

Your Voice
Readers Comments
31
This is YOUR comments community. Stay civil, stay constructive, stay on topic. Please familiarise yourself with our comments policy here before taking part.
Leave a Comment
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.

    Leave a commentcancel