The budget allocated to sports and recreation services in Ireland "has been cut" by almost 30%, according to Sarah Bardon of the IRISH TIMES. Ireland Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport Shane Ross received an additional €72M ($79.3M) "in his department’s annual budget." However the allocation for sport was reduced by more than €20M ($22M), from €73.5M ($81M) in '16 to €51.91M ($57M) for '17. The funding allocation for tourism "has also been reduced" from €13.8M ($15.2M) in '16 to €13.2M ($14.5M). Ross said, "The only reason sports has gone down is the construction of the sports arena last year. It was a huge €22 million ($24.2M) payment." It is understood that Ross "did not consult with the Minister of State for Sport Patrick O’Donovan before agreeing the budget allocation." The figures also show that "there is no money allocated in the expenditure for the inquiry into the Rio Olympics ticket touting controversy" which retired judge Justice Carroll Moran has been appointed to lead (IRISH TIMES, 10/11). RTE reported meanwhile, it was confirmed that horse racing is to receive an extra €4.8M ($5.3M), and "there is also an increase for the Greyhound industry." Details of another round of the Sports Capital Programme "will be announced at a later date" (RTE, 10/11).
