The new indoor sports arena at Athlone Institute of Technology (AIT) is to receive €737,500 in Government funding it has been announced.

The money is being provided under the Special Athletics Tracks Initiative, operated by the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport.

AIT President, Professor Ciarán Ó Catháin, welcomed the announcement, saying that "it is an important contribution towards the development of this world-class facility. The new indoor arena will help put Athlone and AIT on the map internationally as the centre for athletics in this country".

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Prof. Ó Catháin thanked local Fine Gael TD, Nicky McFadden, for her support of the project, noting that she is "a valuable friend to the institute and a great advocate for what we are doing". He also thanked Michael Ring TD, Minister for Sport, who he said had visited the campus and was fully supportive of the development.

Phase one of the new arena is due to be completed by the end of this year, which will feature a six-lane 200m indoor track, as well as an elite gym and fitness facility.

(CD/GK)