Fine Gael Waterford Deputy, Paudie Coffey,has welcomed news that Minister for Sport Michael Ring TD, has approvedfunding of €425,000 for the upgrading of the 400 metre running track atthe Regional Sports Centre in Waterford City. 

“This funding, which comes from theSpecial Athletic Track Initiative, is something that I have been workingclosely with Minister Ring on for the last couple of months. I have hadtwo meetings with him about the matter and I am pleased that this fundinghas now been approved.

“This facility plays an extremely importantrole in athletics both locally and regionally and once the upgrade is completedit will mean that the people of Waterford will have a top class amenityon their doorstep.  

“Deputy Ciara Conway and I have bothmet with Minister Ring recently to discuss the importance of this facilityand the urgent requirement for the essential upgrade of the track’s runningsurface.

“This news is extremely timely withthe Olympic Games getting underway. There has, in recent times, been anotable increase in demand for this facility and I hope that when theseworks are complete the Regional Sports Centre will be utilised even moreby people in Waterford.”