Sep 20, 2023
Our #1 Ask of government in Budget 2024 is an Increase in Core Funding. As part of our Pre-Budget campaign to highlight why #SportMatters, we caught up with our member CEOs from Swim Ireland, Rowing Ireland, Volleyball Ireland, Canoeing Ireland, Badminton Ireland and Basketball Ireland to hear why core funding is crucial to running their sporting organisations.
First up we hear from Swim Ireland CEO, Sarah Keane.
Federation Pre-Budget Submission: Our key request is that the government continues to demonstrate its commitment to the National Sports Policy. The government has committed to doubling funding to sport over the ten-year life of that policy and much has been achieved by what has been done to date. The reality is that the upcoming budget will be looking at funding for Year Seven of that ten-year National Sports Policy.
It has always been the contention of the Federation of Irish Sport that it is essential that the government’s commitment to doubling sports funding (over the ten-year life of the NSP) should be done incrementally,
on an annual basis. Multi-annual funding commitments are essential to create certainty for the NGB’s and LSP’s, to allow them to plan strategically; maintain adequate staffing levels and staff certainty; and most importantly deliver on their objectives. The NGBs and LSPs are essential components for delivering on Government’s commitments and ambitions in relation to sport and physical exercise.
Sep 19, 2023
The Welsh Sports Association (WSA), in collaboration with the Federation of Irish Sport, will host a Sustainability in Sport Conference on the 16th of November.
Taking place at the Principality Stadium, Cardiff the event will bring together the breadth of the sport and leisure industry with the collective mission of a sustainable sector in mind.
The Welsh Sports Association is working in collaboration with the Federation of Irish Sport to deliver a knowledge-sharing sustainability in sport conference for the sport and leisure sector. with support from agile Cymru, the one-day hybrid event will provide a platform to exchange ideas and best practices between members of the two organisations, in tackling a key issue, which transcends our borders.
A selection of speakers from within the WSA and Federation of Irish Sport membership bases will be featured, including an array of Chief Executives from Welsh sport, as they share valuable insight and best practice.
The Football Association of Wales’ Noel Mooney, Swim Wales’ Fergus Feeney and Canoe Wales’ Alistair Dickson will all speak at the Conference.
The WSA are also delighted to bring Impact 3 Zero’s founder Patrick Haslett across the Irish Sea to impart his knowledge on the delegates. Impact 3 Zero are an agency promoting the power of sport to drive positive social and environmental change. David Gilroy from Meath County Council will join Patrick to discuss the ‘Project Long Game’ initiative, which is an innovative new project in County Meath, that has laid out ambitious plans to empower local sports clubs to act more sustainably, paving the way for grassroots sport to play its part in delivering a sustainable future in Ireland and beyond.
Dilwyn Griffiths, Sustainability Lead at Wales Golf, will also join a panel discussion, explaining why the organisation picked up the Best Sustainability Initiative Award at the WSA Sports Industry Awards 2023 in June.
Alongside them will be Jennifer Huygen of Community Leisure UK, Jack Baker of the LTA and Steve Ward from Newport Live. Lauren Jenkins will be hosting the event for the WSA.
Supported by Agile Cymru, a Welsh Government scheme aimed at delivering cross-border and international economic co-operation across shared interests, the Conference will provide a vital knowledge-sharing opportunity to allow sustainable progression for organisations, clubs, and facilities.
WSA CEO, Andrew Howard, commented:
“The Sustainability in Sport Conference will provide a perfect platform for multiple, international stakeholders in sport and leisure to collaborate in tackling a key issue that goes beyond our borders.
“There has never been a more pivotal time to act in the name of sustainability and, in hosting this event, the WSA hopes to share crucial learnings between Wales and Ireland which can support the sport and leisure sector here in Wales to contribute to a globally responsible Wales.
“Sustainability is a key aspect of the WSA’s strategy for 2022-2025. We strive to set sport and leisure up for a successful future, and we aim to do this by developing resilience through organisational sustainability among our members.
“This collaborative Conference will be key in promoting the good work that already happens within sport and leisure and will go further in helping organisations in Wales and beyond to develop and move on in sustainable ways.”
Federation members can book their free online or in-person ticket here:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/wsa-sustainability-in-sport-conference-tickets-713044073017?aff=oddtdtcreator
Sep 18, 2023
On Sunday 17th September, Federation of Irish Sport CEO Mary O’Connor spoke to presenters Darragh Maloney and Marie Crowe on RTÉs Sunday Sport programme about the importance of investment in sport & physical activity.
Highlighting the return on investment that the economy sees from sport she said; “We estimate that for every €100 that the government invests in sport & physical activity in Ireland, there’s a return of €195.” The total value of sport to the Irish economy in 2018 was valued at €3.7bn (GVA)*
*Researching the value of sport in Ireland – Sport Ireland and Sheffield Hallam University, September 2021
Sep 14, 2023
Federation points to impact of inflation on government funding for sport and for delivery of National Sports Policy
• Submission highlight’s sport’s contribution to economy – 64,000 jobs and a €3.7 billion GVA contribution to economy
• Submission highlights detailed Tax Reform Report already gone to government showing how Action 3.7 of Sports Action Plan can benefit all sports
• FIS calls on Government to raise Betting tax and earmark extra revenue for sport to help tackle betting addiction
• Need to Accelerate reform of insurance costs in relation to sport
On Wednesday, 13th September, the Federation of Irish Sport delivered its Pre-Budget Submission to the government. Their submission identifies four “Key Asks” which it is asking to be taken into consideration in the development of Budget 2024. As was the case last year the Federation also suggests how some relatively simple changes in taxation policy could make a major difference for sport and physical activity.
At the core of the submission is an appeal to government to continue to demonstrate its commitment to the National Sports Policy by increasing core funding for member NGBs and LSPs in line with its stated ambition to double the level of overall sports funding over the life of the National Sports Policy.
The submission highlights that “a combination of inflation and the need to invest ever more funds in such vital areas such as governance, child protection, GDPR etc., has had an impact on the funding available for their essential work of the NGBs and LSPs in bringing more people into sport. Their investment into people and programmes must be protected if we are to continue to enjoy the successes of recent years both in participation levels and high performance”.
In tandem with this they again ask government to move to a multi-annual system of core funding for sport and physical activity by confirming the annual increase in funding in line with the National Sports Policy – thereby giving the NGBs and LSPs the opportunity to plan ahead. It notes that this is particularly important if Ireland is to retain its best people across the sporting spectrum.
Overall, the FIS Pre-Budget Submission highlights the urgent need for on-going support of the sector that today supports 64,000 jobs is worth over €3.7bn (GVA) to the Irish Economy.
The Federations second main “ASK” of government concerns making a number of changes in current taxation policy. Action 3.7 of the Sports Policy action plan 2021-2023 contains a number of tax expenditure reforms which at their core seek to help make sporting organisations become more self-sustainable and less reliant on government.
The Federation of Irish Sport was given responsibility to drive this action and they enlisted the support of A&L Goodbody to produce a detailed report on the subject. This Report, which is highlighted in the Federation’s Submission has been with government since August 2022.
Among the recommendations of the Report are –
• Extending relief on donations to approved sporting bodies.
• VAT relief for sporting bodies.
• Granting of charitable status to those NGBs and LSPs who wish to pursue that option.
• Tax-driven incentives for personal exercise.
The Report contains detailed proposals on all areas of taxation that might be relatively easily changed to benefit sport and ultimately the health of the nation. In its third “ASK” the Federation suggests that the government increase the Betting Tax from 2% to 3% with the additional monies raised be devoted to sport and also to how sport might be targeted at tackling the problems of gambling addiction.
The Federation’s final ask of Government, is that they look closely at insurance reform. Insurance Reforms are needed that will quickly reduce liability premiums to affordable levels. These reforms have been identified but they are not happening fast enough and are consequently negatively impacting the sports sector and its ability to providing sporting facilities and host sporting events.
Speaking on the launch of the Pre-Budget Submission Federation of Irish Sport CEO Mary O’Connor said; “It is vital that the NGBs and the LSPs have continuing access to the funding necessary to facilitate the achievement of the aims of the National Sports Policy as well as their own strategic objectives, we have said on many occasions it is equally important that the government commits to such funding on a multi-annual basis if we are to realise the potential of all funding and make impactful and sustainable interventions.
“What we are proposing here today are achievable means by which the Government can immediately boost the sports sector at no extra cost to the exchequer.”
Click here to read the submission in full.
Aug 16, 2023
Recently, our Proud Partners Clan Credo hosted a webinar on developing local sports facilities and providing useful tips for clubs and groups applying to the Sports Capital & Equipment Programme. Contributors included a case study from Neil Corcoran Club Trustee and Vice Chairperson of Kilglass/Enniscrone United FC giving his fascinating input. Clann Credo’s own Tracey Hannon gave a detailed look at the different types of loans Clann Credo offers and an insight into the way they work with clubs and groups to achieve their sporting goals – particularly in relation to Sports Capital and Equipment Programme applications.
You can watch the full recorded event HERE.
The presentations from the event are here:
- Clann Credo presentation HERE
- Kilglass/Enniscrone United FC Case Study HERE
- Transcript of Q&A session HERE
If your club is applying for a Sports Capital & Equipment Programme grant and you need loan finance, get in touch with Clann Credo as soon as possible. Email info@clanncredo.ie or phone 01 400 2100.
KEY DATES:
The 2023 round of the Programme is open for applications from 9am on Monday 17th July 2023 until 5pm on Friday 8th September 2023.
Is your club registered? The deadline for registration is 5pm on Friday 25th August 2023. https://www.sportscapitalprogramme.ie/
Aug 3, 2023
The Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin TD, and the Minister of State for Sport and Physical Education, Thomas Byrne TD, today announced a €2.5 million investment under Phase II of the Sports Energy Support Scheme. This funding will provide support to over 1,900 clubs, community-led sports facilities, National Facilities and Major Stadiums in Ireland, to meet the rising energy costs associated with the provision of sport.
Building on the support previously provided by the Government last winter, this funding stream aims to help alleviate financial pressure as a result of increased energy costs on sports organisations, and ensure the sustainability of Irish sports clubs.
Under the Phase I of the Scheme, which covered energy costs for the period up to 31 March, €21 million was distributed through Sport Ireland Recognised Natio
nal Governing Bodies of Sport (NGBs) to support over 2,000 affiliated clubs and facilities, €1.8 million of which was provided to the National Sports Campus.
Phase II of the Scheme extended the eligibility period to cover energy costs for April and May and sports clubs and organisations that did not apply under Phase I, were able to make an application for funding. In addition, community-owned sports facilities not affiliated specifically to an NGB or who did not qualify for other government support schemes, were able to receive support through their Local Sports Partnership (LSP). This ensured that grassroots and community sport received maximum support.
This latest investment highlights the Government’s strong commitment to supporting Irish sports clubs and facilities throughout the country.
Minister Martin, said:
“The benefits of sport and physical activity to health and wellbeing are well known and there are many cross-cutting benefits from investing in sport. Many sports clubs and organisations continue to experience financial pressures due to increased energy costs, and the extension of the Sports Energy Support Scheme will further support the sector. The scheme has now distributed over €23.5 million to clubs and facilities across the entire sporting community and throughout the country.”
In addition, Minister Byrne, said:
“Funding to sport has grown very significantly in the lifetime of this Government and this further investment of €2.5 million demonstrates our on-going commitment to assist sports clubs and organisations through the current difficult environment of increased operating costs. I want to thank the Sport Ireland team for all their hard work in administering the scheme and for their on-going support of the grassroots network of clubs and local sports partnerships, making sure sport remains accessible to all.“
Speaking on behalf of Sport Ireland, Dr. Una May, said:
“We would like to thank Ministers Martin and Byrne for their ongoing support. The re-opening of the Sports Energy Support Scheme demonstrates the Government’s dedication to alleviating the impact of increased energy costs on sports clubs and organisations, allowing them to continue providing access to sport and physical activity throughout 2023.”
Breakdown of Allocations:
|
NGB Facility Allocation |
Club Allocation |
Total |
|
|
|
|
| Gaelic Athletic Association |
343,500 |
910,000 |
1,253,500 |
| Irish Rugby Football Union |
– |
159,100 |
159,100 |
| Irish Sailing |
– |
90,400 |
90,400 |
| Football Association of Ireland |
81,000 |
– |
81,000 |
| Athletics Ireland |
– |
59,000 |
59,000 |
| Rowing Ireland |
23,000 |
26,500 |
49,500 |
| Gymnastics Ireland |
– |
41,700 |
41,700 |
| Snooker & Billiards Ireland |
30,000 |
6,000 |
36,000 |
| Camogie Association |
– |
26,000 |
26,000 |
| GAA Handball |
– |
25,000 |
25,000 |
| Irish Squash |
– |
23,000 |
23,000 |
| Canoeing Ireland |
5,150 |
16,800 |
21,950 |
| Swim Ireland |
20,000 |
– |
20,000 |
| Pitch & Putt |
– |
19,500 |
19,500 |
| Basketball Ireland |
4,900 |
6,250 |
11,150 |
| Weightlifting Ireland |
– |
9,000 |
9,000 |
| Diving Ireland |
2,200 |
5,100 |
7,300 |
| Cricket Ireland |
700 |
6,100 |
6,800 |
| Irish Athletic Boxing Association |
6,350 |
– |
6,350 |
| Badminton Ireland |
– |
5,350 |
5,350 |
| Bowling League of Ireland |
– |
1,950 |
1,950 |
| Racquetball Association of Ireland |
– |
700 |
700 |
| Total : National Governing Bodies |
516,800 |
1,437,450 |
1,954,250 |
|
|
|
|
| Cork Local Sports Partnership |
– |
100,000 |
100,000 |
| Carlow Local Sports Partnership |
– |
90,000 |
90,000 |
| Galway Local Sports Partnership |
– |
50,000 |
50,000 |
| Meath Local Sports Partnership |
– |
47,000 |
47,000 |
| Sligo Local Sports Partnership |
– |
40,000 |
40,000 |
| Clare Local Sports Partnership |
– |
35,000 |
35,000 |
| Limerick Local Sports Partnership |
– |
35,000 |
35,000 |
| Donegal Local Sports Partnership |
– |
30,000 |
30,000 |
| Mayo Local Sports Partnership |
– |
29,000 |
29,000 |
| Monaghan Local Sports Partnership |
– |
22,000 |
22,000 |
| Tipperary Local Sports Partnership |
– |
22,000 |
22,000 |
| Laois Local Sports Partnership |
– |
20,000 |
20,000 |
| Kerry Local Sports Partnership |
– |
18,000 |
18,000 |
| Louth Local Sports Partnership |
– |
15,000 |
15,000 |
| Offaly Local Sports Partnership |
– |
10,000 |
10,000 |
| Westmeath Local Sports Partnership |
– |
3,000 |
3,000 |
| Total : Local Sports Partnerships |
– |
566,000 |
566,000 |
|
|
|
|
| Grand Total |
516,800 |
2,003,450 |
2,520,250 |
