Meath Local Sports Partnership (Meath LSP) today (Monday, 15th September) officially launched a new 3×3 Basketball Court in The Park, Dunshaughlin. The newly established facility will serve the dual purpose of delivering focused basketball programmes and events in the region, while also enhancing opportunities for residents to fully engage in physical activity and sports.
The new court was funded through the ‘Participation Nation Outdoor Fund,’ a sport investment fund that allocated resources for the purchase and installation of permanent sport equipment on public land for community use.
The new court also symbolises the demand for new basketball facilities as Meath LSP have witnessed an increase in participation in basketball programmes in the past 12 months. Programmes were delivered in conjunction with Basketball Ireland in schools and clubs across County Meath.
Officially launching the new facility was Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence, Thomas Byrne T.D. He was joined by Cllr. Wayne Harding, Cathaoirleach, Meath County Council, Cllr. Gerry O’Connor, Chairperson, Meath Local Sports Partnership, Fiona Fallon, Director of Services and Ratoath Municipal District Area Manager, Meath County Council, staff of Meath Local Sports Partnership and representatives of Dunshaughlin Rockets Basketball Club including Cavan Eagles player, Jane Larkin.
Cllr. Wayne Harding, Cathaoirleach, Meath County Council, said, “I am always delighted to see the opening of sports facilities in Meath, and especially happy to see that this is the fifth installation of a 3×3 court in our county this year. With all the known benefits sports and physical activity have to offer, I don’t think you can put a value on an amazing facility such as this.”
Speaking at the launch of the new basketball court, Minister Thomas Byrne T.D. said, “I am delighted to see the ‘Participation Nation Outdoor Fund,’ which I launched as Minister for Sport, delivering high-quality community facilities in Meath, including this new 3×3 basketball court in Dunshaughlin. Access to modern, inclusive sports infrastructure is vital to encouraging people of all ages and abilities to get active, stay healthy, and enjoy the many benefits that sport brings. I want to commend Meath Local Sports Partnership, Meath County Council and the local community for their work in bringing this fantastic project to life, which I know will serve the people of Dunshaughlin for many years to come.”
Cllr. Gerry O’Connor, Chairperson, Meath Local Sports Partnership commented, “We’re delighted to bring this new facility to Dunshaughlin. We’ve witnessed an uptake on our basketball programmes over the last number of years and this new court will meet the demand. We hope to launch new programmes for the local community in the coming weeks.”
Commenting on today’s announcement, Cavan Eagles Player and current Dunshaughlin Rockets Basketball Club Coach, Jane Larkin, “It’s exciting to see more basketball facilities coming to Dunshaughlin particularly a 3×3 court. The small-sided games allow players more touches of the ball, which in turn can improve skills such as shooting, ball handling and decision making. We’ve just seen the Ireland men’s 3×3 team make their European Championships debut and the future is bright for the sport. I know at Dunshaughlin Rockets, we’re looking forward to using this court for years to come.”
The new court is available to use for members of the public immediately with Meath Local Sports Partnership announcing programmes in the coming weeks. Programmes can be booked through the Meath LSP website, www.meathsports.ie.