Limerick TD Brian Leddin has welcomed the recent announcement of 7.5 million euro in funding being awarded to the planned Velodrome in the TUS Campus at Coonagh. The funding was awarded through the government’s Large-Scale Sports Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF). The application for LSSIF funding was a joint effort between TUS and Cycling Ireland following an application for planning permission made earlier this year.
Deputy Leddin stated: “I’m delighted to hear of this funding announcement for the planned Velodrome in TUS Coonagh. This funding will go a long way to ensuring this project comes to fruition and I’d like to congratulate both TUS and Cycling Ireland on their application. The promotion of and participation in sport is something that I’m passionate about and actively involved in so I’m delighted to support a project that could have such a positive impact not only in terms of sport but also the socio-economic benefits an infrastructural project such as this can have. This will be a major boost for not only the northside of Limerick but the whole Midwest region and beyond.
Deputy Leddin continued: “This velodrome funding is part of an overall grant of 173 million euro for 35 projects across Ireland through the LSSIF. It follows on from earlier sports investment this year including 26 million euro in sports equipment and 230 million euro under the Community Sport Facilities Fund. The Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, led by my colleague Minister Martin, has overseen these major investments in sports and sports facilities. It demonstrates the Green Party’s firm belief in the importance of sport in wider society and our commitment to properly invest in sports and sports related facilities.”