Finn Harps have been granted almost €4 million towards their new dream stadium.
Work to secure funding for the project is complete with a provisional allocation of €3.991m to the FAI under the Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF) for the development of the stadium.
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine and Donegal T.D., Charlie McConalogue, today confirmed the move.
The Minister commented “Resumption of the Finn Harps new stadium construction in Stranorlar has been a priority of mine since the formation of the government.
“I thank my Government colleagues Ministers Chambers and Martin, the Finn Harps Stadium Committee, the Department of Sport and the Finn Harps squad, backroom team and fans for their cooperation in moving the project to the next stage”.
He added “Finn Harps is an integral part of the culture and fabric of the Twin Towns and of Donegal as a whole. The resumption of this project will create local jobs and will continue Finn Harps’ storied history. This news comes during a positive time for the club and I wish the club continued success in this season and in the years ahead”.
Deputy Joe McHugh has also welcomed the move.
“This is a great day for sport in Donegal. Finn Harps are flying high at the top of the league thanks to Ollie Horgan and his team and I am delighted for fans of Harps across the county.
“It is also great news for everyone involved at underage level at the club including former Harps captain Kevin McHugh who does tireless work at underage level,” he said.
The news was welcomed by the Mayor of the Letterkenny-Milford MD, Cllr Donal Coyle.
He said: “It’s great to have this news confirmed as it will safeguard the future of senior soccer in Donegal.
“The news comes with Harps riding high in the Premier Division.
“This will be a big boost for all of Donegal and especially for those who have worked so hard on this project over the years.”
Donegal Green Party Chairman Michael White said “We have actively lobbied on behalf of Finn Harps since last autumn, engaging regularly with our Green Party colleagues in Government, particularly Minister Martin’s office.
“However, we were aware that during the pandemic there are a lot of other competing demands on the Minister’s resources. So today’s announcement is fantastic news, a really great boost for Donegal. We are really delighted that Minister Catherine Martin has approved this funding. ”
