Senator raises impact of Covid on local fundraising

'The least we can do now is use a bit of common sense and extend their licences for the local lotto or bingo, which is a significant fundraiser for that community, because ultimately we the community will be the beneficiaries of it'- Sen Gallagher (FF).

A local Senator has raised how the fundraising capacity of many community and sporting groups has been severely impacted by restrictions surrounding Covid 19.

“Community, voluntary and sporting organisations depend on various fundraising activities to keep operating and although we have seen many innovative online fundraisers, there are many small groups in every county who are very challenged in the current environment, he says. Senator Gallagher is seeking an extension of licences for lotto or bingo as groups who have paid for them have not and will not benefit from them for some time to come,” says Fianna Fail Senator Robbie Gallagher.

The local Oireachtas representative said that already fundraising activity has been “negatively impacted” by Covid, and groups are set for “another serious hurdle” as their lotto and bingo licences are due to expire in the coming months. “The cost of these licences is significant to a local group, be it a GAA club, soccer club or any community organisation, with a renewal cost in excess of €500. This is a huge amount of money to a local GAA club or a community group that has been stood down since the outbreak of Covid and whose activity has been completely thwarted as a result.”

He added: “On foot of current indications that large gatherings will not happen for the remainder of this year, these GAA clubs and community organisations will have had no benefit whatsoever from thGallagher speaks up in Seanad for community groups on licences.”

Senator Robbie Gallagher raised the issue in the Seanad last week, and called on the Leader of the house to contact the relevant Minister and Department to ensure licences are extended.

“The least we can do now is use a bit of common sense and extend their licences for the local lotto or bingo, which is a significant fundraiser for that community, because ultimately we the community will be the beneficiaries of it,” he concluded.