Mayfield Sports Complex funding
Deputy Kenny seeks urgent funding for Mayfield Sports Complex, and the Tánaiste acknowledges its community importance and undertakes to have the responsible Ministers engage on its needs.
The Tánaiste appreciates the role community groups and community sports complexes play in communities across this country. I want to speak about the Mayfield Sports Complex and the urgent need for funding for it. When originally opened, the complex was designed to serve the local community and the school in Mayfield, as well as the wider public on the northside of Cork city. It was a joint project between the then Department of Education and the then Cork Corporation.
As a former teacher in Mayfield Community School, I am absolutely aware of the role the sports complex has played in the community. Over recent decades and despite the efforts of staff and local volunteers, Mayfield Sports Complex has become a relic of what it once offered the people of the community. There are severe roof leaks, outdated electrical and lighting systems, safety regulation issues, outdated facilities and below-standard changing rooms. The complex received €50,000 in funding through the Community Recognition Fund but it is simply not enough. I ask the Tánaiste, the Minister for education and the latter's Department to engage with the operators of Mayfield Sports Complex. The complex has sought engagement, and the Department has not responded, on the urgent need for funding, redevelopment and a renewed commitment to the original objectives set out for this vital amenity. The Tánaiste appreciates that such infrastructure is vital to communities and should be maintained and protected at a sufficient standard.
Comment on this
I thank Deputy Kenny. I agree with him on the importance of community infrastructure. We talk frequently about building homes, which is vital, but having community infrastructure in place is also vital, as the Deputy will know as a public representative and teacher. I am pleased to hear that Mayfield Sports Complex received some funding from the Community Recognition Fund, but I hear the Deputy loudly and clearly that this is not enough, given the scale of the challenges it faces.
I will ask Deputy O’Donovan, as Minister for sport, and Deputy McEntee, as Minister for education, to engage with the Deputy on this matter. I am aware of the significant funding we have committed for sports under the national development plan. There will be new sports calls opening early in 2026, but I will ask both Ministers to determine how they can support the Deputy.