Major funding boost for AIT indoor arena

There was good news for the indoor sports arena at Athlone Institute of Technology (AIT) last week when it received almost €740,000 funding from the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport. The new indoor sports arena will receive €737,500 under the Special Athletics Tracks Initiative. The funding has been welcomed by AIT President, Professor Ciarán " Catháin, who said: "It is an important contribution towards the development of this world-class facility. The new indoor arena will help put Athlone and AIT on the map internationally as the centre for athletics in this country." Prof. " Catháin thanked local Fine Gael TD, Nicky McFadden, for her support of the project, noting that she is "a valuable friend to the institute and a great advocate for what we are doing." He also thanked Michael Ring TD, Minister for Sport, who had visited the campus and was fully supportive of the development. Deputy McFadden welcomed the funding, saying: "It will build a brand new 200 metre international-level indoor running track at Athlone Institute of Technology." She said it was a fantastic investment in Athlone's sporting facilities. "I'm delighted to announce funding for this new indoor athletic track, which will be a state-of-the-art investment. "Work will start immediately on the new running surface which should be finished by the end of the year. It will provide an international-level athletics track in Athlone. "It's great to be able to make this announcement just as the Olympics is kicking off, and when all eyes will be on the Irish athletes. I would also like to compliment the IT on their commitment to developing athletics in the town." The first phase of the new arena is due to be completed by the end of this year, which will feature a six-lane 200m indoor track, as well as an elite gym and fitness facility. The final roof beam for indoor arena was installed last Friday, July 27. The 56-metre beam weights 24 ton. Phase one of the indoor sports arena comes with an overall price tag of €13m and AIT said this week it is actively looking at a wide variety of options to provide the balance of the funding.