Whitmore Welcomes Newtown Sports Funding

Newtown, yesterday. Around teatime.

atest press release from Jennifer Whitmore TD, issued on Wednesday, November 6th 2024…

Wicklow TD Jennifer Whitmore has welcomed news that the Newtown Area Sports Development’s appeal for Sports Capital Grants has been successful and the group will now be awarded €13k for security fencing for their pitches.

Deputy Whitmore had raised the issue of the appeal in the Dail today with Taoiseach Simon Harris.

“I’m delighted to hear this really positive news for Newtown this evening. I know members of the Newtown Areas Sports Development were understandably very disappointed when the initial funding decision was announced, and they were told that they had been deemed not eligible for funding due to minor technicalities.

“So, this news will come as a relief to them.

“The grounds in Newtown are home to several popular local football teams, including Newtown United FC and Newtown Juniors FC. This funding will now allow these clubs to expand and safeguard their facilities and futures for the growing Newtown community,” commented Ms Whitmore.

“Whilst this is positive news, I do believe that this situation, with several clubs across Wicklow initially not receiving funding and having to go through an appeals process should not have occurred. I had written to the Minister for Sport in relation to the application from Newtown Area Sports Development, and it appears that it was a minor technicality or slight administrative error which had such a negative impact on their application.

Danny Alvey and Whitmore with Newtown FC’s Gary Kelly 6NOV24

“This club, like most sports clubs across Wicklow and the country, are run by volunteers. Volunteers who work tirelessly for their members
to promote sport and create opportunities for their community to take part and create inclusive and accessible spaces. We need to see greater support being given to sports clubs’ committees and community groups in relation to making grant applications.

“We need to see the introduction and development of online workshops or clinics where committee members can talk to a representative from the Department of Sport or relevant Government department, ask questions and go through grant applications and get advice about how to complete the numerous forms and documents often associated with applying for these grants,” concluded Deputy Whitmore.