Ministers Announce €900,000 Fund for Healthy Ireland Walking Tracks

The Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, and the Minister for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy, Jennifer Murnane O’Connor, announced the allocation of €900,000 for the second phase of the Healthy Ireland Walking Tracks initiative. This funding will be shared among 35 clubs affiliated with the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) and the Football Association of Ireland (FAI).

This phase follows a successful first round last year, which allocated €1 million to enhance pitch-side walking tracks at various clubs across Ireland. The initiative aims to improve accessibility and encourage physical activity within local communities.

Details of the Funding Distribution

Under the current phase, the IRFU and FAI will each receive €450,000. Participating clubs will receive grants ranging from €15,000 to €30,000 to upgrade their walking tracks. The funding supports the installation and enhancement of lighting to extend usage hours, particularly during winter months when daylight is limited.

The 21 IRFU clubs benefiting from this funding include Ballyhaunis RFC, Castlebar Rugby Club, and Connemara RFC, among others. The initiative is particularly vital in rural areas, where safe and well-lit walking routes are often scarce.

Impact on Community Health and Wellbeing

Minister Carroll MacNeill emphasized the importance of collaboration in improving public health. She stated, “Improving the health of our population requires a collective effort. Our partnership with the IRFU and the FAI is a clear example of how working together can deliver tangible benefits for communities across Ireland.”

Minister Murnane O’Connor added, “Healthy Ireland is very proud to continue our partnership with the IRFU and the FAI on the Walking Tracks initiative, which illustrates the Healthy Ireland ethos by supporting clubs to create healthy community hubs.” She noted the transformative effects these upgraded tracks have had on club members and their wider communities.

The Chief Executive of the FAI, David Courell, expressed gratitude for the funding, stating that it will enhance accessibility for communities nationwide. He reinforced the importance of clubs improving their facilities to cater to all members of the community.

Kevin Potts, CEO of the IRFU, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the initiative’s role in promoting inclusivity. “This ongoing collaboration enables even more clubs to engage directly with their local community,” he said. He stressed the commitment to providing safe, car-free spaces for walking and social connection.