Sports Energy Support Scheme Open To Clubs In Munster

Rugby Clubs are being urged to avail of new funding in response to the rising energy costs crisis.

Sport Ireland have made €35 million of funding available through their Sports Energy Support Scheme.

Access for rugby clubs is to be administered through the IRFU & Provinces and the Honorary Secretary of each club has been emailed with full details and an application form.

“The IRFU recognises the importance of clubs not just within our communities but also to the overall success of the provincial and international teams,” IRFU Rugby Development Director Colin McEntee told Honorary Secretaries.

“The Sports Energy Support Scheme is to assist clubs who submit applications for support, with the financial hardship in 2022 arising from the rising energy costs.”

Sport Ireland have advised that the IRFU and provinces will be able to begin the disbursement of this funding to clubs who submit successful applications from January 2023 onwards.

Clubs will need to complete their initial application form and issue to the contacts below by Monday 21st November 2022.

Commenting on the opening of the application process, Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin TD, said:

“These funds will help keep playing pitches alight, indoor facilities heated and reduce rising energy costs during the winter months ahead. Sports clubs and National Governing bodies form the backbone of many communities across Ireland and this Government is steadfast in our support for these organisations.

“For this reason, we are rolling out the Energy Support Scheme which we are confident will be of enormous help to those who access it.”

Minister of State for Sport and the Gaeltacht, Jack Chambers TD, added:

“This Government is committed to a healthy, vibrant sports sector as we all know the many benefits that involvement in sport and physical activity bring to individuals and communities. Grassroots clubs as well as National Governing Bodies are key components of the sports sector and I am very pleased to be able to support them through the Energy Support Scheme.

“This will help to ensure clubs and communities can keep their floodlights on, sports halls heated and cover a range of energy related costs over the colder, darker winter months.”

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Michael McGrath TD said:

“This Government recognises the immense value of sport to communities all across Ireland and is committed to assisting the sport sector in the current difficult environment of high inflation.

“The Energy Support Scheme, underpinned by €35 million in funding provided in the Budget, is a timely and effective means of ensuring funding gets to local clubs.

“We are pleased to be able to provide this support to the National Governing Bodies and their members as the appropriate vehicle to distribute this vital funding support.”

CEO of Sport Ireland Una May said:

“We are delighted to announce details of this Energy Support Scheme aimed at supporting our National Governing Bodies and their clubs at a time of need and, along with various support schemes announced and rolled out during the recent Covid-19 pandemic, it shows the commitment of the Government to supporting a robust sports sector.

“I would like to thank Ministers Martin and Chambers for their assistance in getting this scheme implemented and we would also like to extend our thanks to Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Michael McGrath.”