Sports groups urged to apply for new all weather pitches grant

By JACQUELINE HOGGE SPORTING groups throughout Tuam are being urged to make a formal proposal for funding that has been secured to provide all-weather facilities in the town. The controversial €180,000 grant had been mooted for a development in the Palace Grounds but years of opposition from Tuam Town Council saw a fresh application for the funding at a different location. [private] Town Manager Frank Gilmore confirmed at this month's council meeting that the Department of Tourism, Culture and Sport had approved the money for an alternative site, and said it was now up to sporting groups in the town to make their bids. 'The Director of Housing, Eugene Collins, will be advertising for applications for suitable projects to avail of this funding over the coming weeks,' said Frank. 'This money is subject to certain conditions and it is my understanding the process has to be signed, sealed and delivered by next March.' Cllr Imelda Kelly questioned whether council owned lands on the Weir Road could be considered for the facility, as had been proposed at previous council meetings in recent months. Earmarked for housing However, Mr Gilmore replied that this land has already been earmarked for housing and that an application would need to be made specifying it as the proposed site. 'I haven't seen the detail of the department's letter on this issue, although I know the money has been granted for a site alternative to the Palace Grounds. 'It is good news that we have been granted extra time and leeway to ensure this money is used to provide much needed facilities in Tuam.' Tuam Celtic Football Club and Tuam Athletics Club are two of those expected to apply for the funding, with both groups having previously expressed an interest in availing of the grant. County Cllr Sean Canney welcomed the funding and said work would begin to identify a suitable site immediately. 'This is good news for Tuam as there was a threat that the money would be transferred to another location,' said Cllr Canney. 'Tuam needs funding such as this to provide sports facilities for the youth of the town. This announcement is a timely boast for Tuam. It is an investment that will be made in a time of economic recession and hopefully will positively encourage sports activities.' Cllr Shaun Cunniffe outlined the process involved in selecting the successful site and group. Four criteria 'Applicants must be able to fulfill four main criteria in order to obtain this grant,' he said. 'They must be able to transfer a site, free of charge, to Galway Co Council; have or acquire proper zoning and planning for all-weather pitches; have road access on the site, and be able to complete the development within the first half of next year. 'When you consider that in June of this year the Department stated that the funding could not be transferred to another location in Tuam, nor could it be built anywhere other than land currently owned by Galway County Council, this makes the announcement all the better. 'The proposal made by Tuam Celtic earlier this year clearly showed the Department of Sport that dealing with progressive organisations and clubs that are community focused is certainly a new way forward with the distribution of funding. 'However, it must be pointed out that as this is public funding any organisation in Tuam is perfectly entitled to apply for it.' [/private]