€70m just the ticket for sports
distribute the new funding that will come as hugely welcome news to the GAA and IRFU, who have seen revenues badly hit.
Between them they will receive up to €40m.
A further €10m will go to a resilience fund for sport’s national governing bodies. A sports club resilience fund will receive €15m, while a sports restart and renewal fund will get up to €5m.
Funding will be allocated on a case-by-case basis – submissions for assistance will be made by governing bodies to Sport Ireland
‘with regard to solvency and continued existence’.
Minister for Sport Shane Ross. said: “It is clear that the challenge is enormous and is being felt at every level. While the scale of this package may seem extraordinarily large, it merely reflects the enormity of the challenges being faced.”
IRFU CEO Philip Browne thanked the government for its response. “Irish Rugby’s income has effectively fallen off a cliff,” he said. “The funding will be a lifeline to sports.”
The third phase of easing Covid-19 restrictions was confirmed last night, along with some elements of phase four – including sport.
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar confirmed that mass outdoor gatherings – including sports events – will be limited to 200 people outdoors until July 20, then to 500 – until, it is hoped, crowds of 5,000 can attend games from the end of September.
The GAA’S planned return to contact training was July 20, but the association’s advisory committee may bring that date forward following a weekend review.
“Various options will be considered at its next meeting,” the GAA stated.
The GAA held talks with the GPA yesterday about the concerns members may have over returning.
The GAA could confirm on Monday it’s plans for the county season, which gets underway on October 17.