Cork sports and community projects to get share of dormant accounts money

Culture, communications and sport minister, Patrick O’Donovan has announced an investment of €4.17m under the dormant accounts fund, with €380,000 set aside for projects in Cork.

Dormant Accounts Funding allows unclaimed funds from accounts in credit institutions in Ireland to be used for projects focused on overcoming the barriers and challenges to participation in sport for those who are economically or educationally disadvantaged, or those affected by a disability.

In Cork, €103,000 has been allocated for sports hubs, €40,000 for sports inclusion disability projects, €121,000 for active cities, €40,000 for volunteer supports, €46,000 for urban outdoor adventure and €30,000 for equality, diversity and inclusion.

Volunteers

Fianna Fáil Cork North West TD, Aindrias Moynihan, said that the funding is “very important” for projects across the city and county.

“I welcome the allocation of €380,000 for Cork Local Partnership projects as part of the dormant accounts funding,” said Mr Moynihan.

“This funding is very important to ensure we invest at a local level, to continue to promote participation in sport, and to remove any obstacles in the way of allowing people achieving that.

“I am especially pleased to see that this first tranche of funding has included money for volunteers, with €40,000 of the €380,000 allocated for Cork volunteers.

“Volunteers are the heartbeat of our local clubs, and recognition of their important work is long overdue.”

Upskilling

Fine Gael Cork North Central TD, Colm Burke, said this funding will help ensure that new opportunities and new sports are opened to people of all abilities and backgrounds across the county.

“I am delighted to see funding of €380,000 for sports and community initiatives in Cork,” said Mr Burke.

“I am particularly happy to see funding of €40,000 towards programmes for volunteers and upskilling in Cork.

“Our volunteers keep our initiatives running smoothly and we must offer them the opportunity to get all the training they need," he added.

“Through this funding I hope that even more people will be able to enjoy the benefits that sports participation and a healthy lifestyle can bring.”