Close to €800,000 has now been won by Wicklow sports clubs following funding rejection appeals

Announcing the news on social media, the club, which has been awarded €170,000, said: "This is a huge boost for the club and our community. We would like to thank everyone involved for their assistance and especially our club chair Rob, who put so much effort into getting this across the line, and also to our local councillor, Gail Dunne, for his tremendous assistance."

Among the other Wicklow clubs to have lodged successful appeals was St Anthony's Kilcoole Utd FC, who also took to social media to share "some fantastic news", having secured €129,000 to enhance facilities at the club, specifically floodlighting works, with the club adding: "The future of St Anthony's is looking even brighter."

Meanwhile, Newtownmountkennedy Sports Area Development is to receive €12,817 following its successful appeal, while Woodenbridge Golf Club has been allocated €142,526.88.

Commenting on the successful appeals, Taoiseach Simon Harris said: "Our local sports clubs are the at the heart of our communities in Wicklow. These sports clubs will now be in a position to develop the likes of clubhouses, floodlights, fencing and so much more.

"The volunteers involved with these clubs give so much of their valuable time to ensure the smooth running of their clubs and I am delighted to see this funding come in recognition of this commitment," he continued.

"Investment in sport is crucial for our clubs and organisations given the significant positive impact they have on the overall health and wellbeing of our population. Having access to sports clubs will encourage more participation in sport and support positive mental and physical health."

The news of these successful appeals came only days after other appeals were won by Blessington FC (now awarded €154,000 for two new pitches) and the Coolkenno Sports Field (set to receive €186,000 for the construction of a pitch), bringing the total amount now secured on appeal by Wicklow clubs to €794,343.88.

While welcoming the news, Wicklow TD Jennifer Whitmore said the clubs should not have been forced to go through the appeals process in the first place, and pointed to "minor errors" in the application sent in by Newtown Area Sports Development, which had negatively impacted its chances.

"I know members of the Newtown Areas Sports Development were understandably very disappointed when the initial funding decision was announced, and they were told that they had been deemed not eligible for funding due to minor technicalities," Deputy Whitmore said. "So, this news will come as a relief to them.

"The grounds in Newtown are home to several popular local football teams, including Newtown United FC and Newtown Juniors FC. This funding will now allow these clubs to expand and safeguard their facilities and futures for the growing Newtown community."

She added: "Whilst this is positive news, I do believe that this situation, with several clubs across Wicklow initially not receiving funding and having to go through an appeals process should not have occurred.

"I wrote to the Minister for Sport in relation to the application from Newtown Area Sports Development, and it appears that it was a minor technicality or slight administrative error which had such a negative impact on their application.

"This club, like most sports clubs across Wicklow and the country, are run by volunteers. Volunteers who work tirelessly for their members to promote sport and create opportunities for their community to take part and create inclusive and accessible spaces.

"We need to see greater support being given to sports clubs' committees and community groups in relation to making grant applications. We need to see the introduction and development of online workshops or clinics where committee members can talk to a representative from the Department of Sport or relevant government department, ask questions and go through grant applications and get advice about how to complete the numerous forms and documents often associated with applying for these grants," concluded Deputy Whitmore.

Separately, the Taoiseach and Minister for Rural and Community Development Heather Humphreys have approved €165,679 in funding under the Community Centres Investment Fund 2024, with a total of eight community centres benefitting in the county.

These are:

Pavillion Community Centre, Wicklow: €15,127 Cill Bhríde Community Centre: €18,350 Donard Community Enterprises CLG: €19,750 Greystones Lawn Tennis Club and Community Centre: €12,500 Greystones Presbyterian Church Community Hall: €19,160 Knockanna Community Hall: €21,511 Rathdrum Rugby Football Club: €17,000 Rathnew Community Centre CLG: €17,281 Welcoming that tranche of funding, Cathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council, Cllr Paul O'Brien said: "This funding will help develop and enhance community centres across Wicklow. This support will allow communities to continue to create a welcoming space for everyone, offering programs and services that strengthen our community and enhance the quality of life for all residents".