Football facilities across Ireland are to be upgraded following the announcement of a €1.2m funding package.

Six projects have been chosen by the Football Association of Ireland to benefit from the funds and will receive €200,000. The money will go towards updating, refurbishing and completing facilities for players and management, as well as the fans.

The projects to benefit are Mayfield Football Club, Cork; Galway Football Association; Munster Football Association; Clones Town FC; Westport United FC and Kerry District League.

At Mayfield, the money will be used to renovate the pitch and complete the clubhouse and changing rooms, while at Galway Football Association, it will allow works to be completed to enable the club to host international matches up to Women's Senior level.

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Munster Football Association will have access ramps, stairs and toilets constructed, while Kerry District League will install a full-sized all-weather pitch that will provide adequate training facilities for the 94 teams that make up the league.

At Westport United FC, it will facilitate in the development of Phase 2 of their recently purchased grounds. Finally, at Clones Town FC, it will provide changing room facilities at its home ground.

Making the announcement, Michael Ring TD, Minister of State for Tourism and Sport, said: "Since coming to office, I have made a special allocation each year to specific sporting disciplines. They have included rugby, boxing, athletics and swimming pools.

"I am now pleased to be able to allocate €1.2 million in funding for soccer projects which have been identified by the FAI as being 'deserving of a once off special allocation' from my Department.

"These projects have been acknowledged as being 'strategically crucial to the development of football, not only within their locality but at regional and national level'."

(JP/MH)