Sligo Rovers have received a sports capital grant of €211,674 towards the redevelopment of The Showgrounds.
The Bit O’Red last year published its plans for a radical overhaul of the ground, with the hope of turning it into a 6,000-seater UEFA Category 3 venue.
Today’s grant will allow the club to install new floodlights as well as carrying out other ground improvements.
A club statement read: “This week Sligo Rovers invested €100,000 of the club’s funds in a planning process.
“And (we) will spend a further six-figure sum later in the year to bring the project forward with the support of the club’s fans and members.”
Sligo Rovers chairman Tommy Higgins said: ““In discussions with ministers and elected representatives, we feel they see the vision we have but also the results we are producing.
“That is through investing in footballers and giving a pathway, both male and female, and being a focal point within the region providing facilities and a place of inclusivity.
“I wish to thank Ministers Catherine Martin and Jack Chambers for this allocation which will bring great improvements to The Showgrounds.
“We have the FAI being fully supportive and Sligo County Council are very much behind us.
“On a national level we believe there is an understanding that football, and in particular the League of Ireland, must grow for the game to thrive in years to come.
“There is no time to waste and we will bring forward the next phase of our plan as soon as possible.”
Last May, Sligo Rovers announced their plans for an ambitious €17 million redevelopment of the Showgrounds that will also include a new off-site academy base.
The Bit O'Red said they wanted to host Ireland underage matches while also making the Showgrounds a ‘recurring earner’ as a seven-day-a-week community facility.
A restaurant, pharmacy, creche, gym, doctor’s surgery, club house and offices were also factored into the proposals.
