Irish sports facilities have received a major funding boost from the government.

Minister for Labour Affairs, Billy Kelleher, said he was delighted Cork received a grant allocation of €4.485 million under the 2008 Sports Capital Programme.

Under the 2008 Programme €50 million has been allocated to 682 separate sports projects around the country.

Minister Kelleher said: "I have been in regular contact with Minister Cullen over the last number of months and I am glad to see that in this allocation he has acknowledged the important role played by so many different clubs throughout the community."

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The Cork facilities that will benefits from the announcement include Upper Glanmire Community Association €140,000; Cumann Iomanaiochta & Peile na Piarsaigh €100,000; Sarsfield Hurling Club €100,000; Cork Colleges Camogie Council €85,000; Delaney's Hurling and Football Club €80,000; Blarney GAA Club €80,000.

Blarney Community and Recreation Center (Scoil Muire Gan Smal) €50,000; Inniscarra Community Center Ltd €50,000; Mourne Abbey Comm Council €50,000; Erins Own Hurling and Football Club €40,000; Westgate Gymnastics Knocknaheeny (W.E.K.) €28,000

Donoughmore Hurling and Football Club €20,000; Donoughmore Community Council €20,000; Cope Foundation €8,000; Cork Admirals American Football Club €4,000; St. Stephen's Pitch and Putt Club €5,000.

"Sports and recreation facilities are a vital element in the development of any community and I intend to continue my commitment to further improving the facilities currently being provided for the people of Cork North Central," Minister Kelleher added.

(PR/JM)