The Taoiseach has said plans for a €4 million athletics facility in West Waterford should be examined for potential large-scale sports funding.

Waterford Sinn Féin TD David Cullinane raised the proposed development by West Waterford Athletic Club in the Dáil, calling for Government support for the project.

The club has secured a 50-year lease at St Augustine’s College in Dungarvan and plans to develop an eight-lane, 400-metre track, full track and field facilities and a clubhouse.

Deputy Cullinane told the Taoiseach there is currently no athletics facility of its kind in West Waterford or East Cork, with many athletes travelling to Waterford City or Clonmel to train.

He said Waterford City and County Council and a number of athletics clubs are supportive of the proposal and asked that the relevant minister examine possible state funding.

In response, the Taoiseach said Government has supported major sporting projects through Sports Capital and large-scale infrastructure funding in recent years.

He said athletics was a key sport and suggested the Dungarvan proposal would need to be examined in greater detail to determine whether it would qualify for large-scale capital funding.

‘I think it’s a good initiative. We endeavour to be supportive,’ he said.

West Waterford AC has previously highlighted the lack of dedicated athletics infrastructure in the Dungarvan area, saying the shortage of suitable facilities has limited the club’s ability to grow and provide proper training space for its members.