Funding of almost €400,000 was announced today for the employment of ten new youth sports development officers to serve the Northside and Southside Regeneration Areas in Limerick city.
The funding, which comes under the Young People’s Facilities and Services Fund, will enable four football development officers, two GAA youth development officers, and two rugby youth Development Officers to be employed.
The cost for these officers will be co-funded with the FAI, Munster Rugby and the GAA. Funding is also being provided for two sports development officers in these areas.
Announcing the finance package, Minister of State John Curran said: “The funding of these positions is another concrete example of the Government’s commitment to the regeneration of Limerick City, which aims to address issues of social exclusion and disadvantage.
"The overall aim is to increase participation in the three sports in the different communities, to develop emerging talent, educate coaches and volunteers in relation to best practice and to raise awareness about the dangers associated with substance misuse."
The Young People’s Facilities and Services Fund was set up in 1998 as part of the Government’s strategy to tackle drug misuse.