Nov 4, 2024
There was welcome news today for those who were successful under the Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund across a multitude of sporting activities. Congratulations to those in receipt of the funding and the communities set to benefit from the improved local facilities.
· €173 million Allocated to Major Sports Projects
· Minister Catherine Martin and Minister Thomas Byrne announce €173 million in grants for 35 projects across Ireland under the Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF).
· Record allocation under the Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund follows record funding announced under the Community Sport Facilities Fund
· New “use it or lose it” funding rule to ensure the most effective spend and new requirement to ensure similar access for women and men to all sports facilities
· Remaining valid LSSIF applications to be placed on Reserve List for funding as additional LSSIF funding becomes available.
The Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin T.D., and the Minister of State for Sport, Physical Education and the Gaeltacht, Thomas Byrne T.D., announced today (4 November 2024) the second round of funding allocations under the Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF). This follows the first LSSIF round of allocations announced in January 2020.
The total amount of grants awarded is €173 million, benefiting 35 individual projects. With this announcement, the cumulative investment from the Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund since 2020 now reaches €297 million. A comprehensive list of the successful applications is included here.
The current allocation of €173 million follows earlier announcements this year, which included €26 million for sports equipment and €230 million under the Community Sport Facilities Fund, bringing the total investment in sports capital and recreation for 2024 to €429 million.
All applications submitted under the LSSIF Fund were required to have the prioritised endorsement of a National Governing Body for Sport (NGB) or a Local Authority. This prioritisation was one of a number of factors taken into account in the assessment and ultimate ranking of projects. It was informed by factors such as the potential to enhance sports participation, sustainability, similar access for both men and women, and the ability to execute the project within a specified timeframe.
A number of sporting disciplines will benefit under this round of the Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund, including football; Gaelic games; athletics; basketball; rugby; hockey; swimming and water-based sports; cricket; golf; and cycling.
In parallel, though outside of the Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund, funding towards the design costs will be allocated to swimming pool projects in Buncrana and Mullingar, to assist the projects. This has been done given the strategic importance of developing swimming pool infrastructure, in line with the recently-published National Swimming Strategy.
Projects allocated LSSIF funding will now proceed to further evaluation and due diligence processes, which will vary in extent and nature based on the size and specifics of each project.
A new “use it or lose it” clause has been introduced which will ensure that if there has been no drawdown of any part of a grant within 2-3 years (timelines may vary from project to project), or before a new LSSIF round is announced, the grant offer will be deemed withdrawn.
In relation to the LSSIF applications which have not received an allocation, the Department will publish a reserve list in the coming period on which all valid applications will be placed and assessed. When additional LSSIF funding becomes available, it is envisaged that projects on the reserve list can then be funded.
Speaking at the announcement today, Minister Martin said:
“The advantages of engaging in sports, regardless of age, are profound both mentally and physically. To meet our ambitious goals of increasing participation in sports, it is essential to have facilities like these.
The Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund plays a crucial role in our strategy to enhance physical activity and well-being among the population. By investing in these significant projects, we are ensuring that everyone, regardless of their background or ability, has access to high-quality sports facilities. This funding will help to create a legacy of sporting excellence in Ireland, inspiring future generations to engage in physical activity and pursue their sporting ambitions.
Through this unprecedented investment, the government is establishing a foundation for a more promising future in sports and recreation, emphasising accessibility, sustainability, and community engagement.
The journey towards building a more active and healthier nation continues, and these projects will play a crucial role in achieving that vision. The standard of facilities has also improved greatly through Government investment in recent years and I have no doubt that these facilities will inspire more people to participate in sport in the future. I look forward to see this funding in action”.
Speaking at the announcement today, Minister Byrne said:
“This funding underscores our commitment as a Government to seeing sport prosper in communities across Ireland. The major sports projects funded under this round of the Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund encompass a wide variety of sports and activities, reflecting the varied sporting interests of communities nationwide. From multi-sport complexes to specialised facilities for individual sports, these investments aim to cater to the needs of athletes, clubs, and local communities.
The Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund emphasises the significance of collaboration among government entities, local authorities, and national governing bodies in enhancing sports infrastructure. Through cooperative efforts, these organisations can ensure that funding is allocated to projects that will most effectively promote sports participation and community development.
Inclusivity in sports is paramount and thanks to the implementation of the new Similar Access Requirement, we have ensured that women and men will enjoy similar access to all sports facilities, which are publicly funded.
As a government, we are dedicated to offering opportunities for individuals of all ages and abilities to engage in sport. The record investment in sport facilities announced this year under both the Community Sport Facilities Fund and Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund illustrates our ongoing commitment. I am confident that these projects will create new and enhanced opportunities for individuals of all ages and backgrounds to participate in sports to the fullest extent”.
In welcoming the announcement, the Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform, Paschal Donohoe T.D., said:
“The funding announced today under the Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund demonstrates the Government’s strong commitment to investing in our sports facilities. Sport enriches our lives and provides immeasurable benefits to community life. I greatly look forward to seeing the major sports projects supported under this round of the Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund coming to fruition for the benefit of communities across Ireland.”
Oct 18, 2024
The Federation of Irish Sport is pleased to welcome the announcement of Ireland’s first-ever Major International Sports Events Policy and Strategy Framework. This publication is an important milestone for Irish sport as overarching vision is set out for the hosting of major international sports events and seeks to build on Ireland’s success in hosting major international sports events to date. The Federation looks forward to further supporting stakeholder consultations and contributing in a positive way to the development of future practices and structure around the bidding and hosting of major international events.
The Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin TD, and the Minister of State for Sport, Physical Education and the Gaeltacht, Thomas Byrne TD, have today published a new government policy and strategy framework for the hosting of Major International Sports Events.
This is the first policy of its kind in Ireland and follows a comprehensive public consultation process, including direct engagement with sports bodies, consultation with key stakeholders and a review of comparable policies in other jurisdictions.
The publication of the Major International Sports Events Policy and Strategy Framework stems from a commitment under the Programme for Government to develop a strategy to identify the type of major sporting events Ireland can and should bid for and how these events can be used to increase sporting participation, encourage domestic and international tourism, and promote Ireland.
The policy, in both Irish and English, can be found here
Speaking today, Minister Catherine Martin said:
“It is important that when we invest in Major Sports Events we are clear about the benefits we wish to achieve from that investment. This policy and strategy framework will guide officials, national governing bodies of sport and event promoters in developing proposals for major international sports events to deliver optimal outcomes and benefits.
“Sport-related tourism is a very significant element of world tourism, with a multi-million euro market and a huge potential for countries who position themselves correctly. Major International Sports Events provide a unique opportunity to highlight the island of Ireland as a wonderful holiday destination, as well as a top location for sporting events.”
Minister Thomas Byrne added:
“Ireland has proven its ability to successfully host major international sports events on numerous occasions in the past and the publication of this policy seeks to build on that success. As well as being great sporting occasions in themselves, major international sports events have the potential to drive participation in sport and create meaningful sporting legacies. They contribute to trade, tourism, community engagement, regional development and economic growth. These events also drive national pride by placing Ireland on the global stage and affect both how we see ourselves as a nation and how we are viewed internationally.
“In publishing Ireland’s first-ever Major International Sports Events Policy and Strategy Framework, the Government is setting out a more strategic approach when it comes bidding for, and hosting, major international sports events. We want to maximise the benefits for Ireland and ensure a lasting sports participation legacy whenever Ireland hosts such events. I look forward seeing this work further advanced.”
Oct 16, 2024
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Oct 3, 2024
- Government’s 4% increase in Core funding to be shared by 87 organisations
- Budget allocation to Sport Ireland for 2025 is €115.16 million
- Core funding allocation of €30 million sees marginal increase of €1.3m (4%) across 58 NGBs and 29 LSPs
- High Performance Sport allocated an additional €1.2 million
- A dedicated Disability in Sport funding stream allocated €1 million
The Government yesterday unveiled further details of Budget 2025, the largest budget in the history of the State. Additional funding to the sport sector is welcome however, the allocated 4% increase – €1.3 million – will not mitigate the rising costs of doing business for our National Governing Bodies (NGBs) and Local Sports Partnerships (LSPs).
The NGBs and LSPs are responsible for the people and programmes that drive participation from grassroots all the way through to high performance. As stated in the Federation’s Pre Budget-Submission “Core Funding is used to strengthen the core of an organisation, not just maintain it.” Core funding allows NGBs and LSPs recruit additional staff and retain existing staff, run programmes, and develop coaching to meet the growing demands and reduce barriers to entry into their sport.
The recent Community Sports Facilities Fund allocation, while welcome news for communities and individual clubs, does not address the myriad of responsibilities placed on National Governing Bodies, including development, education, ethics, equity, inclusivity, diversity, coaching, promotion, safeguarding, and good governance of each sport nationwide.
Core funding budgets have come under increasing pressure to deliver on regulatory requirements including pensions auto enrolment, governance compliance and reporting. There is a growing pressure point for our member organisations to retain staff and find sufficient resources to recruit much needed members of staff to activate programmes to grow participation.
Speaking following the Departmental briefing, FIS CEO Mary O’Connor stated: “Following the national high of our best ever performance on the international stage at the Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games, our members looked forward to an increase in core funding to operationalise their activities, comply with governance requirements and deliver the Government’s own national sports policy. While funding in other areas is welcome, as is the announcement on taxation reform, the core funding increase fails to keep pace with inflation and will directly impact our members’ ability to deliver basic support across their sports in 2025. The Federation of Irish Sport will engage with the Minister and his Department to ensure that the challenges facing the sector are clearly understood and addressed.”
Oct 1, 2024
Excerpt from Minister for Finance Jack Chambers on Budget 2025 – Sports and philanthrophy
Sport
Making good on the commitment in last year’s Budget speech, I will also be bringing forward measures to support national sporting bodies in planning and investing for the future.
Changes will be made to the tax exemptions that apply to those bodies to facilitate long term investments for the purposes of future capital projects, sport equipment needs, to support Ireland’s high-performance athletes, and sports participation.
Furthermore, I will be bringing forward measures in the Finance Bill to allow those making donations to sports bodies, for capital projects, and the other objectives, greater flexibility on how those donations will be treated for Income Tax purposes. It is my intention that both PAYE and self-assessed donors will be able to choose for the income tax relief on donations under the relevant tax provisions to go either to themselves or to the sporting body itself. I believe that this will provide an additional incentive for taxpayers to provide direct support to their local and national clubs and bodies.
I strongly believe that physical activity is an essential part of supporting the health and mental well-being of all our citizens, young and old. As such, I believe there is merit in examining how the tax system can help to achieve greater participation in sport and fitness activities, including through gyms for example. Over the course of next year, my officials will continue this work with the view of developing proposals for consideration in advance of next year’s Budget.
Excerpt from Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform, Pascal Donohoe on Budget 2025
Culture and society
Ceann Comhairle, I believe that Ireland holds a unique position in the world, where our culture, ár dteanga and our artists are the beating heart of our society. There are record numbers visiting our national cultural institutions. Irish writers are some of the best in the world – giving us pause to reflect on the world around us, to make sense of it or, indeed, to escape it entirely for a moment.
In 2025, I am allocating:
- almost three hundred and eighty million euro to Arts and Culture
- one hundred and seven million euro to the Gaeltacht, which will provide a wide variety of supports to our Irish speaking communities in the Gaeltacht and beyond
- two hundred and twenty-six million euro to Tourism
- three hundred and twenty-eight million in funding to Media, including six million euro for the independent broadcasting sector
- two hundred and thirty-one million euro in funding to Sports, which will benefit clubs and organisations in every corner of the country
Sep 25, 2024
The Federation of Irish sport today welcomes announcement this significant investment in grassroots sport under phase 2 of Community Sport Facilities Fund and is pleased to see that government has again recognised the importance of investing in infrastructure that impacts so positively on every community in Ireland, the Federation also notes that for every €100 euro invested by government they get a return of €209 euro in associated taxes.
The Federation looks forward to the announcement of Budget 2025 and believes that the government having announced investment in infrastructure that they will further cement their investment in the Irish Sport sector by increasing core funding in NGBs and LSPs on a multi annual basis to ensure the organisation and sustained participation of people and programmes in Ireland is adequately resourced.
Largest-ever funding announced for Sport Facilities
· Ministers Martin and Byrne announce €230m in grants for sports clubs and facilities under phase 2 of Community Sport Facilities Fund (formerly Sports Capital and Equipment Programme)
· Over a quarter of a billion allocated to community sports clubs and facilities in 2024 with a total investment of €256m
· Record allocation will facilitate the largest-ever investment in sports facilities in communities across Ireland
The Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin T.D., and the Minister of State for Sport, Physical Education and the Gaeltacht, Thomas Byrne T.D., today announced 1,996 grants with a total value of €230m for new and improved sports facilities and equipment throughout the country under the Community Sport Facilities Fund, formerly the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme.
Ministers Martin and Byrne were joined by Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform, Paschal Donohoe TD, at Cambridge FC in Ringsend to announce the record funding.
The €230m allocation announced today follows May’s allocation of €26m for sports equipment which brings the total investment in community sport and recreation in 2024 to an unprecedented €256m. This is a 50% increase on the funding allocated in early 2022 under the 2020 round of the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme.
Over 40 separate sports, as well as multi-sport facilities throughout the country, will benefit from the community sport grants announced today. Each application was assessed under criteria including population density, deprivation and access to facilities. Unsuccessful applicants can appeal any grant applications deemed invalid.
Speaking at the announcement in Ringsend today, Minister Martin said:
“Sport is vital to our sense of togetherness and community, from local clubs to professional and high-performance teams and athletes. Each and every one of these grants represents a project that will create a new or improved opportunity for people of all ages and backgrounds to participate in sport to the best of their ability. Clubs will be better able to serve their communities with the help of this fund. For example 194 clubs are getting funding to install solar panels, 317 clubs are getting funding for LED floodlights and 966 projects will include improvements to pitches.
“These vital improvements and new facilities will add to the equipment allocations announced earlier this year to ensure that more people than ever have access to the sports they love in their local areas.”
Minister Byrne said:
“Over a quarter of a billion euro is being invested in sports clubs and facilities under the Community Sport Facilities Fund. This level of sports funding is unprecedented and will prove transformative for sports clubs and facilities in communities across Ireland. As a Government, we are committed to providing everyone, of every age and ability, with the opportunity to participate in sport and this record allocation for sport demonstrates that commitment.
The inspiring performance of Team Ireland at the Olympics and Paralympics recently in Paris demonstrated the positive power of sport and we understand that any sporting journey begins within the community. The record funding being announced today under the Community Sport Facilities Fund underlines this Government’s continued commitment to seeing Irish sport thrive into the future.”
Minister Donohoe said:
“This Government is committed to supporting sport at all levels, from grassroots and community-level facilities right up to our high-performance athletes on the world stage. Sport adds so much to our lives, as spectators, beginners or those who are excelling in their field. The mental and physical benefits are immeasurable. Ensuring adequate investment means that our participants have good facilities at their disposal and can train to compete to the best of their ability, whatever that is. After such a successful summer for our Olympians and Paralympians, it’s great to have an opportunity to underline our investment in sport for everyone, in every community across the country.”
