Fine Gael Waterford Deputy, Paudie Coffey, has welcomed the opening by Minister for Sport, Michael Ring TD, of the new running track at the Regional Sports Campus (RSC) in Waterford City.

Deputy Coffey said he was pleased to be able to intervene at a critical stage last year with the Minister to ensure the project proceeded.

Mr Coffey said: "This facility plays an extremely important role in athletics both locally and regionally and this upgrade is a huge boost for the region. I was pleased to meet with Minister Ring on two occasions about this matter, where I impressed upon him the importance of this funding and what it would mean for Waterford City and the region generally. There has been a notable increase in demand in recent times for use of this facility and any upgrade would therefore be timely.

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"Due to the poor weather at the end of last year and the beginning of this year, the project could not be commenced. This jeopardised the funding allocation for the track and I worked closely with Council officials and the Minister to ensure that the funding would still be available for the project.

"After intervening with the Minister, he agreed to my request to show flexibility in the drawing down of the €450,000 worth of funding that allowed this project to proceed. I want to commend the work of the Council officials and Minister Ring which has led to opening of the upgraded facility."

(CD/JP)