The Government has increased its contribution to sports clubs and organisations by 30 per cent and will divide €54 million among the recipients of its annual Sports Capital Grants.
The funding aims to help sports clubs to modernise facilities and supply new or updated equipment and this year's list brings the number of projects funded since 1998 to 5,630 and the amount of money spent to €448.56 million.
Dublin and Cork are the biggest beneficiaries with clubs in the capital receiving almost €11 million and the second city being awarded €6 million.
Below them Minister for Arts, Sports and Tourism John O'Donoghue's home county of Kerry has been awarded €3.43 million, while Galway based clubs are to receive €3.33 million.
"I am delighted once again to announce this significant level of funding to these well deserving clubs and local community facilities throughout the country," said Mr O'Donoghue today.
"Today's announcement is further evidence of this Government's commitment to investing in sports facilities in every county, particularly at local level where clubs of all codes, run by hard-working volunteers, remain the backbone of Irish sport."
Mr O'Donoghue added that he would "be announcing further allocations in the coming weeks for the national, regional and municipal projects throughout the country
According to the minister priority is given to areas designated as disadvantaged. These areas may also receive funding from programmes run by Rapid (Revitalising Areas by Planning Investment and Development) and Clár (Ceantair Laga Árd-Riachtanais).
"It is essential that we help to provide the means for Irish people of every age and standard to enjoy sport and physical recreation in high quality, hygienic and reliable facilities.
"Today's allocations will make further significant improvements to the standard of sports facilities across the country, which, I have no doubt, will play a pivotal role in attracting more people to participate in sporting activities", Minister O'Donoghue concluded.
The FAI has welcomed the allocation of €11 million to soccer across the country. Commenting today, FAI chief executive officer John Delaney said the allocations "over 100 clubs and associations involved in football provide further evidence of the Minister and the Government's commitment to support football throughout the country".
"With 450,000 people involved in football, infrastructure is the key to continuing to increase participation while also improving the product and the players in the long term", Delaney added.
"Today's funding allocations are another welcome boost to the creation and development of this infrastructure."
