Tipperary TD supports granting extra funding to FAI, but only for grassroots development

Tipperary TD Michael Lowry has supported a Dáil motion calling for increased funding for the FAI.

However, he cautioned that such funding should be directed at the local club level as "this is the level that will ultimately benefit most through involvement in football. This will lay the groundwork for the future."

Deputy Lowry took issue with the fact that the FAI had sought to have funding diverted from the racing industry.

"The FAI has a strong case that stands on its merit, but I have to say that it’s a mistake for the FAI to criticise the Racing Fund and to seek to divert part of that fund.

‘The FAI case for funding is a standalone one. I support the principle of the Exchequer funding to build, to grow and to develop football – to release the potential that exists and to guide it through a successful and cost-effective future," he said.

Stating that Ireland was a nation of sports lovers, Deputy Lowry said that sport brought communities together – it built and strengthened them.

The Independent TD said that while our passion for the GAA will always hold a huge place in Irish hearts, there had also been a spiraling love of football, so much so that it had become the number one participation team sport in the country according to Sports Ireland.

"Football has become so hugely popular among Irish people that, similar to the GAA, it now boasts clubs in every corner of the country. Ireland has an ever-growing reputation for producing exceptionally talented players and legions of supporters are devoted to the game," he said.

Deputy Lowry poiinted out that the motion called for increased funding for the FAI and requested improvement in all sections, from grassroots clubs to League of Ireland clubs and international teams.

"Right across Tipperary we have local clubs that cater for players of all ages that would enthusiastically welcome such funding. I would suggest that any increase in the funding provided would be primarily directed at this level. That it be spent on providing coaching and facilities for our youth. That it be incorporated to a greater extent in our schools.

"We must support football. It is essential for us to provide facilities and equipment. We need to modernise the small clubs across Tipperary and the country. I have supported and assisted many clubs across Tipperary, yet much more needs to be done.

"Investment in sport does give a Dividend in cash returns to the Exchequer and in many other ways. The perfect example of that is the bloodstock industry. Decades of strong Government support ensure that we built a fledgling racing industry in Ireland into a world leader in racing and bloodstock.

"This industry continues to grow and was worth €2.5bn to the Irish economy. Over 30,000 jobs were supported by the racing and breeding industry in 2022. These jobs are mostly rural and provide vital and crucial economic activity in towns and villages all over the country.

‘It means that for every euro of Government support in 2022, the racing and breeding industry returned €35 to the Irish economy and €17 of that was from the core industry.

Supporting the motion, Deputy Lowry said that investment in football, investment in sport was wise and paid a dividend.