Ballynacargy one of two clubs awarded walking track upgrade
Two Westmeath GAA Clubs have this week been awarded grant aid for the upgrade of their walking tracks.
Ballynacargy GAA is to receive €15,000 and Rosemount GAA €10,000.
Minister for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy, Hildegarde Naughton, and GAA president Larry McCarthy, welcomed the announcement of the successful applicants for the €815,000 funding provided by Healthy Ireland for the GAA Walking Tracks initiative. Almost 340 applications were received and 54 clubs were successful.
Mr McCarthy said: “By delivering upgrades such as lighting and improved surfaces, our clubs are helping to empower people to stay active all year round. The exceptionally high number of applications illustrates the public demand for these amenities, in particular in rural areas where access to safe spaces for walking can be limited.”
The funding was welcomed by Minister Peter Burke.
"The funding, which has been allocated to Ballynacargy GAA and Rosemount GAA will enable upgrades such as lighting and improved surfaces.
“These upgrades will help our clubs to empower people to stay active all year round by creating safe and inclusive spaces for people of all ages and mobilities," commented Minister Burke.
“Walking tracks in GAA clubs open to the community play an invaluable role in fostering local social connections and by expanding access to their facilities, they are helping to improve the health and wellbeing of everyone who uses them.
"Walking is a great activity opening to most of the population, and we have seen the great benefit of walking in local networks being promoted through shows like Operation Transformation.
“I’d like to commend both Ballynacargy GAA and Rosemount GAA and all clubs across Westmeath for their wonderful contribution to their communities and I want to thank the GAA for the significant work involved in the process.
"They allow the entire community to use their facilities, which are often the backbone of our local communities. I know myself, how better I feel after getting out for a walk at night time, even if it’s just a short one."
The Minister for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy, Hildegarde Naughton said the once off national funding of €815,000 provided by Healthy Ireland is designed to make community walking tracks located on GAA grounds more accessible to more people.
“I am delighted to welcome the announcement of the successful clubs for this very worthwhile initiative. Healthy Ireland has been a long-standing partner of the Irish Life GAA Healthy Club Project and supporter of the GAA’s efforts to transform clubs into hubs for health in their communities, all of which makes a significant contribution to the Healthy Ireland agenda,” Minister Naughton said.