70. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the measures he is taking to support grassroots sports clubs in north Dublin that are experiencing increased demand due to population growth; whether he is satisfied that existing funding programmes are sufficient to meet infrastructure needs, including in respect of pitches, clubhouses, changing facilities, lighting and accessibility improvements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44489/26]

Sentiment score: 0.31

Ba mhaith liom ceist a chur ar an Aire Stáit faoi chúrsaí spóirt i dtuaisceart Bhaile Átha Cliath. Is iontach an infheistíocht atá déanta sa chlub Shells, but what steps are being taken to support grassroots sports clubs across north Dublin, including with clubhouses and changing facilities, in light of the recent bad weather? The weather this year, certainly the rain, was the worst in a long time. Multiple sports clubs had young girls and boys who could not play because of the lack of all-weather pitches.

Sentiment score: -0.30

Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire Stáit agus le gach duine atá ag obair sa Department faoi láthair. I thank the men and women of Dublin City Council, go háirithe na laethanta seo. They have put in more toilets than we have seen previously and are doing work in north Dublin. North Dublin has been neglected for too long. It is one of the main reasons I got involved. It is great to see that there is work being done. I thank the council for all the work at the Kilmore West Recreation Centre and the all-weather pitch at the Stardust Memorial Park, which I recently visited. I spoke to one of the executives in Dublin City Council and it is good to see that things are moving. The Minister mentioned the multi-sport complex systems that we see in parts of southern European cities where all clubs use the facilities. It is not just one single clubhouse. Any club can use those facilities. That is an approach we should consider. We in Ireland need to move away from the idea of clubhouses for single clubs. We can put in more money, get better facilities for all clubs and get grassroots participation up. I also want to ask about Killester Basketball Club, one of the largest basketball clubs with the largest number of female players. I would love for the Department to bring it any attention.

Sentiment score: 0.16

I appreciate that update. We will kill two birds with one stone with that approach. We will give children the opportunity at break time in school to get away from the books and get onto the pitch to play football, rugby or whatever they want to play. The club would then benefit later. There are two projects I would love to highlight. I welcome Dublin City Council's plan for an 11-a-side, 3G all-weather pitch. As the Minister of State knows, Dublin produces the best footballers. I will also mention the upgrade to all-weather pitches at Stardust Memorial Park and in Kilmore West Recreation Centre. Dublin Bay North is a broad constituency, which runs from Fairview to Howth and Darndale. Across the constituency, there is a lack of these all-weather pitches. I welcome the fact that the Department is looking at that issue. The Minister mentioned continuing to increase the participation levels for young women and boys and ensuring they continue to play sports. We need to give them all-weather pitches and nearby toilets. It makes it easier for parents and the hard-working coaches coming down on a Saturday night. I appreciate that.

Sentiment score: 0.30