Game changing integration funding needed to support inclusivity in Irish sport – Carrigy

Sports facilities must be upgraded so they can accommodate both men and women, a Fine Gael Senator has said.

Senator Micheál Carrigy, Seanad Spokesperson on Tourism, Culture, Arts, Sport, and Media, highlighted this in light of the planned full integration of the Gaelic Athletics Association (GAA), Ladies Gaelic Football Association (LGFA), and the Camogie Association, which is to be completed by 2027.

“Following Team Ireland’s incredible success at the European Championships in Rome, where our athletes have dazzled, we’ve seen the phenomenal hard work and contributions of both our male and female sports stars.

“Yet reality is that the vast majority of our sports facilities in Ireland have been originally designed and built with only male athletes in mind. This must be corrected to reflect the diverse nature of Irish sport.

“The Sports Capital Grants introduced a requirement that any facility seeking grant approval must be equally available to men and women — and applicants will need to show their access policy.

“To compliment this, I propose the creation of a dedicated fund, specifically targeted at ensuring all sports facilities in Ireland are upgraded to accommodate the needs of female athletes as part of this broader integration project.

“With the closure of the Immigrant Investor Programme (IIP), many sporting communities have found themselves in limbo in terms of delivering the vital infrastructure needed to bring this element of the integration process to fruition.

“This proposed fund would work to partially alleviate this pressure, and specifically focus on making significant improvements to existing infrastructure, including the installation of changing facilitates, shower and toilet cubicles, hand dryers, and other necessary amenities.

“This will ensure all athletes, regardless of gender, have access to facilities that meet their needs and support their development in sports.

“Such a targeted approach would not only upgrade the physical infrastructure but also send a powerful message about our commitment to gender equality in Irish sport.

“It’s crucial that we provide equitable support to all athletes by creating environments that are truly inclusive and provide adequate funding to ensure that Irish sport can continue to thrive.” Senator Carrigy concluded.