Laois Sports Partnership gets an energy boost

Laois Sports Partnership is getting €20,000 to meet the rising energy costs associated with the provision of the services it provides to the people of Laois.

The money is part of the €2.5 million approved by the Government under Phase II of the Sports Energy Support Scheme. Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media says the funding will provide support to over 1,900 clubs, and community-led sports facilities.

Laois Offaly Minister of State Seán Fleming said he was pleased with the Government's support for Laois Sports Partnership.

"This funding will support local clubs and organisations in Laois with increased energy costs and ensure the sustainability of Laois sports clubs.

"Community-owned sports facilities in Laois that are not affiliated specifically to a national governing body, such as the GAA, will receive funding through the Laois Sports Partnership. This is to ensure that all community organisations are supported in Laois by the Government," he said.

He added that the Government has also allocated funding under this scheme to national governing bodies to pass down to their respective clubs in Laois.

Laois Offaly Green Party Minister of State Minister Hackett added that she was delighted with the investment.

"We are all aware of the increases in energy bills and sports clubs are no different. I fully support this Government’s commitment to ‘keeping the lights on’ at our local sports facilities across Offaly and Laois. The extension of the Sports Energy Support Scheme will further support the sporting sector and its network of clubs and local sports partnerships across our communities," she said.

Laois Sports Partnership (LSP) aims to increase participation in sport. It is especially focused on helping older people, girls and women, people with disabilities, unemployed people and those who live in identified disadvantaged communities

The latest grant will cover energy costs for April and May.