Minister of State for Tourism and Sport, Michael Ring, has announced a grant of €975,000 to help improve boxing facilities in Ireland.

The allocation will go to the Irish Amateur Boxing Association (IABA).

A majority of the allocation, €750,000, will be used to extend the 2011 facilities initiative that will improve boxing facilities, particularly those to accommodate female boxers. A further 2150,000 will allow the IABA to buy equipment for boxing clubs, while a total of 275,000 will go towards works at the National Stadium.

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Welcoming the announcement, Minister Ring said: "This further allocation recognises the fact that some boxing clubs continue to operate in facilities which are in relatively poor condition and lack basic facilities. I am pleased that we continue to make progress in helping to ensure that young people joining clubs will be able to train in decent, fit-for-purpose facilities.

"Under the initiative, eligible clubs will be able to make improvements to facilities such as dressing rooms, showers, toilets and heating. As well as ensuring that more young people have access to decent facilities and equipment, this allocation also further recognises the special place of boxing in Irish sport."

(JP/MH)