Phil Hogan, T.D., Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government has announced that he has given sanction to Forum Connemara to approve funding of up to €171,345 to Diamond Hill Housing Association for the development of an all weather Astro Turf Pitch in Letterfrack, Co Galway.

This funding, provided under the Basic Services for the Economy and Rural Population measure of the Rural Development Programme (RDP) 2007-2013 will provide the necessary financial support to allow the development of an all weather sports facility in Letterfrack, Co Galway. The proposed Astro Turf Pitch will be used for training by schools, groups and clubs in the community as well as by students of the Furniture College in Letterfrack. The facility will be also be floodlit which will allow for its use in all weather conditions and during the hours of darkness.

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Minister Hogan said: "The provision of leisure and sports facilities in rural communities is a very important aspect of the Rural Development Programme. Such facilities not only support social cohesion but also promote healthier lifestyles by facilitating exercise at all times of the year and in all weather conditions. The improvement in the quality of life that such facilities support is one of the main objectives of the RDP and as such should be supported and encouraged in rural communities throughout Ireland."

The LEADER elements of the Rural Development Programme currently offer and will continue to offer significant financial resources to rural communities going forward. With a budget of €96 million for 2012 it is critically important that rural communities’ all over Ireland continue to harness local energies in order to avail of the resources and further develop all aspects of their own communities.

(CD/GK)