Apr 22, 2021
Sport Ireland
Media Release
22nd April 2021
Sport Ireland announce €40 million investment in sports sector
- €13.8 million for core activity of 59 National Governing Bodies
- €9.5 million to support work of 29 Local Sports Partnerships
- €8.5 million to support High Performance programmes
- €2.68 million in International Carding scheme
Sport Ireland today announced an investment of €40 million to National Governing Bodies for Sport (NGBs), High Performance athlete support and to the network of Local Sports Partnerships (LSPs) for 2021.
Today’s announcement follows a year in which the sector has been significantly impacted by Covid-19 restrictions in place since March 2020.
The funding of €13.8million for NGBs is maintained from 2020. This funding, in addition to the recently allocated Covid-19 Grant Scheme, will provide stability and certainty to organisations throughout 2021. In line with previous years, a portion of the Core funding budget (‘Special Projects & Programmes’) will be ring fenced to assist with strategically important NGB related events and projects.
Welcoming today’s announcement, Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media Catherine Martin acknowledged the importance of sport and physical activity; “The past year has shown us yet again the important role that sport and physical activity plays in our lives and the vital contribution it makes to our physical and mental wellbeing. I am delighted to announce today’s funding to the sport sector to further assist the work of National Governing Bodies and Local Sports Partnerships to encourage people to be more active and to support their ongoing development. In Budget 2021, the Government made a commitment to support the sector and we are engaging closely with the sector to ensure their needs are met and that sport will emerge from the Covid-19 crisis in a strong position.”
High Performance Programme funding will also be maintained for 2021 at €8,500,000. 2021 is anticipated to be an expensive year for high performance programmes as there remains a high level of uncertainty around competition and training camp plans due to Covid-19. Sport Ireland will provide further support in 2021 to address the immediate and confirmed costs to high performance programmes in respect of the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Minister of State for Sport & the Gaeltacht Jack Chambers TD acknowledged the difficulties faced by the High Performance community in recent months: “Ireland has big ambitions on the international stage and the funding announced today will assist in furthering these ambitions. While the Olympic and Paralympic Games were postponed in 2020, the hard work and commitment from our high performance athletes, their National Governing Bodies and their support teams has continued over the past year and we are all now greatly looking forward to the summer games and beyond. This funding will provide certainty to our organisations after this difficult period and cover costs like coach development, hosting of events and delivering strategic plans. I am also very pleased we are once again providing ring-fenced funding for the Women in Sport programmes through the Local Sports Partnerships.”
The investment in high performance sport is bolstered by funding of €2.68 million through the International Carding Scheme. The International Carding Scheme provides financial support to 130 athletes and 6 Tokyo targeted relays / squads across 16 sports. The primary purpose of this funding is to support Irish athletes in reaching finals and achieving medals at European, World, Olympic and Paralympic level. The level of funding on this scheme has increased from €2.4 million in 2020. The International Carding Scheme has been amended to account for the challenges faced by athletes and NGBs as a result of Covid-19.
Budget 2021 saw a significant increase in funding for sport and physical activity, reflecting the commitment of Government and the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media to support the sector in to 2021. The hard work and agility of the sports sector to adapt to the Covid-19 pandemic has been acknowledged by Sport Ireland and the Government, and today’s funding announcement further strengthens the commitment to the sector.
Funding of €9.5 million has been approved for the network of 29 Local Sports Partnerships, representing an increase of 15% on 2020 funding. This increase in investment provides an opportunity for Sport Ireland to support a locally led safe return to sport and to further build the capacity of LSPs, increasing their reach and impact across Ireland.
Additionally Sport Ireland has announced its annual investment in the three large field sports – IRFU, GAA & FAI. A total of €2,389,653 has been allocated to the GAA and €2,250,843 to the IRFU. Funding provided by Sport Ireland supports vital coaching, games development and technical development programmes in both the GAA and IRFU. As per the Memorandum of Understanding agreed between the Government and the Football Association of Ireland, €5.8 million in funding will be made available to the FAI for football development programmes, pending approval by the Board of Sport Ireland.
Kieran Mulvey, Chairman Sport Ireland outlined the importance of providing stability to the sector in these uncertain times: “2020 was an extremely challenging year for the sports sector. It was faced head on by the sector and I commend the work of the funded bodies who showed resilience and agility in adapting to the many obstacles they faced throughout the year. The High Performance athletes, coaches and support staff have also showed incredible dedication and commitment to their sports in very difficult circumstances. The funding announced today will support the National Governing Bodies High Performance Programmes, the Sport Ireland Institute and other high performance facilities and direct athlete support and we look forward to cheering on these athletes again soon. On behalf of Sport Ireland, I think Minister Martin, Minister Chambers and their Department colleagues for the ongoing support.”
Chief Executive of Sport Ireland John Treacy highlighted the important role of community sport: “Throughout 2020, the network of 29 LSPs continued to help people get active in their communities by removing barriers to physical activity. They adapted quickly to the new “virtual” landscape and rolled out a broad range of local and national initiatives targeted at all the different cohorts of people. This funding will help LSPs continue this work and ensure that everyone in our society has the opportunity to share in the enjoyment as well as the mental and physical health benefits of sport and physical activity. But now we look forward, toward an Olympic and Paralympic Games, to the reopening of sport and physical activity for the general public and a light at the end of the tunnel. There is cause for optimism as children’s sport and some outdoor activity returns and we look forward to even more opportunities to enjoy sport and physical activity in the months ahead”.
Download the Investment Brochure here.
Ends.
For Further Information:
David Gash
Communications & Public Affairs Manager
dgash@sportireland.ie
087-2277643
Apr 19, 2021
Night One – Investment
Topic: An evening of discussion on investment in sport and physical activity hosted by Rob Hartnett
Description: The investment themed evening opens the Irish Sport Industry Innovation Series with a focus on the various strands of financial investment in the sector including government, corporate and project specific funding. The evening will consist of two panel discussions and a keynote address and conversation with Government Chief Whip and Minister of State with responsibility for Sport and the Gaeltacht, Jack Chambers.
The line-up:
7pm – Mary O’Connor, CEO Federation of Irish Sport
7.10pm – ‘Sport and physical activity as a vehicle for corporate and philanthropic investment’ – panel discussion with:
- Denise Charlton, CEO Community Foundation of Ireland
- Richie Gernon, Regional Director at EBS
- Aoife Clarke, Head of Communications at LIDL Ireland
7.40pm – Keynote address and conversation with Minister of State with responsibility for sport and the Gaeltacht, Jack Chambers.
8.10pm – ‘Trends and opportunities in innovation investment in Ireland and Europe’ – panel discussion with:
- Benny Cullen, Director of Research and Innovation at Sport Ireland
- Cormac MacDonnell, Innovation and EU Funding manager at Sport Ireland
- Alberto Bichi, Executive Director of EPSI
8.40pm – Close
Night Two – International
Topic: An evening of discussion on tourism, sports events and major international tournament bidding hosted by Declan Conroy.
Description: The international themed evening is the second in the Irish Sport Industry Innovation Series and will focus on the benefits and challenges of international sporting event hosting. The evening will also highlight the tourism infrastructure that makes Ireland a strong bidding nation when it comes to international events. The evening will consist of a keynote conversation with Orla Carroll, Director of Product Development at Failte Ireland as well as an in-depth panel discussion on the mechanics of bidding, hosting and evaluating international events on Irish shores.
The line-up:
7pm – Mary O’Connor, CEO Federation of Irish Sport
7.10pm – keynote conversation with Orla Carroll, Director of Product Development at Failte Ireland
7.40pm – ‘Bringing international sporting events to Irish shores – the benefits and challenges’ – panel discussion with:
- Hamish Adams, CEO Athletics Ireland
- Garrett Tubridy, Consultant and project manager of Women’s Rugby World Cup 2017
- Donal Hannigan, Principle Officer at the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, the Gaeltacht, Sport and Media.
8.30pm – Close
Night Three – Innovation
Topic: An evening of discussion on digital transformation and innovation in the sport and physical activity sector hosted by Trevor Keane.
Description: The investment themed evening closes the inaugural Irish Sport Industry Innovation Series with a focus on digital transformation and innovation trends and opportunities in the sport and physical activity sector. The evening will consist of a keynote conversation with Gráinne Barry, VP Digital and Business Operations at Stats Perform and co-founder of Sports Tech Ireland as well as a panel discussion on the trends and opportunities for innovation in the sector.
The line-up:
7pm – Mary O’Connor, CEO Federation of Irish Sport
7.10pm – keynote conversation with Gráinne Barry, VP Digital and Business Operations at Stats Perform and co-founder of Sports Tech Ireland
7.40pm – ‘Embracing digital transformation and innovation in the sport and physical activity sector’ – panel discussion with:
- Fiona Chambers, University College Cork
- Jill Downey, Managing Director at CORE Sponsorship
- Lewis Wiltshire, Seven League
8.10pm – Outstanding Achievement Presentations by Federation of Irish Sprot
8.40pm – Close
Apr 14, 2021
Today, the Federation of Irish Sport announced the final speaker for the upcoming Irish Sport Industry Innovation Series. Orla Carroll, Director of Product Development at Failte Ireland will join the International themed evening to discuss all things tourism, events and Ireland Inc. Orla’s announcement caps a stellar line up of contributors for the three days series focusing on Investment, International and Innovation for the Sport and Physical activity sector.
The Federation is delighted to welcome Orla Carroll of Failte Ireland, who will join host Declan Conroy for a discussion on event tourism, the impact of COVID-19 and the assets Ireland has as a host nation. After what has been a challenging year for sport, sports events and tourism as a whole, the discussion will focus on the tourism recover, the positive elements of Ireland’s ability to act as a host nation and the significant benefits such hosting brings in both economic and social terms.
The keynote will be followed by a panel discussion focused on ‘Bringing International sporting events to Irish Shores – the benefits and challenges’ which will see insightful input from Donal Hannigan, Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, the Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Hamish Adams, CEO of Athletics Ireland and Garrett Tubridy, Consultant and project lead of the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2017.
Tickets for highly anticipated series are selling fast. Be sure to join us for three evenings of discussion and engagement. Secure your place at www.irishsport.ie/tickets. The series takes place from 20th – 22nd April 2021, with the International night set for the 21st.
For more about the event visit https://www.irishsport.ie/federation-of-irish-sport-launch-irish-sport-industry-innovation-series-focusing-on-investment-international-and-innovation-strands-of-sport-sector/
ENDS
Contact: Sinead Conroy sinead.conroy@irishsport.ie
Apr 12, 2021
Today, the Federation of Irish Sport announced the final panel of the upcoming Irish Sport Industry Innovation Series. The panel, which will focus on investment in innovation both in Ireland and Europe, is the penultimate speaker announcement for next week’s highly anticipated series.
The Federation is delighted to welcome Benny Cullen, Director of Research and Innovation at Sport Ireland, Cormac MacDonnell, Innovation and EU Funding Manager at Sport Ireland and Alberto Bichi, Executive Director of EPSI to discuss the trends and opportunities for investment in innovation projects both in Ireland and on the continent. The panel, which will follow Minister Jack Chambers’ keynote address, will bring a wealth of experience and knowledge on the current innovation landscape, the impact COVID-19 has had in driving the pace of innovation in the sector, and serve to inspire sport and physical activity organisations to take the next steps in seeking funding opportunities for innovation ideas and initiatives.
The panel completes a stellar line up for the Investment themed evening which includes a discussion on CSR and corporate investment in sport and physical activity, an address by Minister of state with responsibility for Sport and the Gaeltacht Jack Chambers and an insight into the opportunities and trends in innovation funding. The evening will be hosted by Rob Hartnett of Sport for Business.
7pm: Welcome by Mary O’Connor, CEO Federation of Irish Sport
7.10pm: Panel discussion – “Sport and Physical Activity as a vehicle for corporate investment” with Aoife Clarke, LIDL, Richie Gernon, EBS and Denise Charlton, Community Foundation
7.40pm: Keynote address by Government Chief Whip and Minister of State with Responsibility for Sport and the Gaeltacht, Jack Chambers.
8.10pm: Panel Discussion – “Trends and opportunities for investment in innovation” with Benny Cullen, Sport Ireland, Cormac MacDonnell, Sport Ireland and Alberto Bichi, EPSI
8.40pm: Close
With one final announcement to come this week, tickets for the series are selling fast. Be sure to join us for three evenings of discussion and engagement. Secure your place at www.irishsport.ie/tickets. The series takes place from 20th – 22nd April 2021, with the Investment night set for the 20th.
For more about the event visit https://www.irishsport.ie/federation-of-irish-sport-launch-irish-sport-industry-innovation-series-focusing-on-investment-international-and-innovation-strands-of-sport-sector/
ENDS
Contact: Sinead Conroy sinead.conroy@irishsport.ie
Apr 9, 2021
Today, the Federation of Irish Sport announced the International night panel members as part of the upcoming Irish Sport Industry Innovation Series. The panel, which will focus on bringing international sporting events to Irish shores, is the latest in the speaker announcements for what is set to be three days of engaging discussion and debate.
The Federation is delighted to present a panel of experts in the arenas of soccer, athletics, and rugby event hosting covering a Women’s World Cup, a mixed European Championship and a major International Men’s tournament. Garrett Tubridy, consultant project manager to the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2017 and Hamish Adams, CEO of Athletics Ireland will join Declan Conroy, Europa League Final 2011 and EURO2020 project manager, for an evening of discussion on what it takes to bring an international event to Ireland, what the challenges are once awarded and what the return on investment is for all those who support such activities. The panel will also bring a government perspective in the form of Donal Hannigan, Principle Officer at the Dept of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media who is heavily involved in the management of international tournament agenda as outlined in the programme for government.
The collective experience of the panel will bring to life the process of bidding and hosting international events at a range of levels and demonstrate the benefits of a shared knowledge and experience pool on the island. In a year that has seen many major events shaken by COVID-19, the Federation look forward to hearing the perspectives of the panel on what the future of international events will look like and where there may be opportunities for sporting organisations to dive into event hosting post pandemic.
The series takes place from 20th – 22nd April 2021, with the International night set for the 21st, and tickets are available at www.irishsport.ie/tickets FIS members can avail of tickets free of charge using code FC934C (one ticket per transaction, unlimited transactions). Be sure to circulate within your organisation.
Two final speaker announcements to come next week! For more about the event visit https://www.irishsport.ie/federation-of-irish-sport-launch-irish-sport-industry-innovation-series-focusing-on-investment-international-and-innovation-strands-of-sport-sector/
ENDS
Contact: Sinead Conroy sinead.conroy@irishsport.ie
Apr 9, 2021
Clann Credo’s hugely successful series of online events – Changing Landscapes – is back with two new events!
These free online events focus on new opportunities for local sports clubs and community groups arising from the huge increase in remote working and working from home.
The Covid-19 pandemic has propelled forward the move towards remote working and opened up the possibility of alternatives to time-consuming commutes and office-based working practices.
We have a great line up of speakers with unique insights into the latest trends and developments in remote working, as well as inspirational stories from trailblazing community organisations.
Event 1: Remote Working and Communities – Volunteers
Tuesday 13th April, 7:30 – 8:30 pm
This event will respond to these questions:
- What makes a successful community organisation?
- Could your community project or sports club benefit from the skills of remote workers?
25 years of working with over 1,500 community organisations, sports clubs and social enterprises across Ireland has taught us that volunteer skills and capacity is the key factor that sets successful community organisations above the rest. However, we also know that finding volunteers with specific skills can be challenging.
One year on from the March 2020 directive to work from home, we look at the growing popularity and viability of remote working and the opportunities that this brings for the rejuvenation of volunteer-led organisations.
Rose Barrett from Grow Remote join us for this event and has a unique perspective on how remote workers, including former commuters, those returning to their home communities and those striking out in new communities are seeking to (re)connect with their local community and contribute to community wellbeing (and their own wellbeing). Grow Remote is a not-for-profit organisation whose mission is to enable us to work, live and participate locally.
Henry Healy, Director of Moneygall Development Association will share his experiences of harnessing the right skills for community projects; how to decide which skills you need most, and how to track down the right people.
For more information and to register for Remote Working and Communities – making the most of remote workers’ skills for your community project, click HERE.
Event 2: Remote Working and Communities – Facilities
Tuesday 20th April 7:30 – 8:30 pm
Our second event looks at opportunities for sports clubs and community groups arising from the challenges that have emerged from enforced working from home, for example:
- Lack of access to high-speed broadband
- Lack of suitable workspace at home
- Lack of social interaction throughout the working day
Community based organisations and sports clubs have a key role in the transition to sustainable remote working and hybrid working practices, facilitating access to broadband, quality workspace and offering new modes of connecting through work.
Sean O’Coisdealbha from Údarás na Gaeltachta joins us for this event and will share his experience of adapting community infrastructure to meet emerging demands of remote working and his unique insight into the future of remote work in Ireland’s Gaeltacht communities.
From the community and sports club angle, we are delighted to have John Lynch, St. Aidan’s GAA Club, Co. Roscommon talking about their experience in adapting space for remote working.
For more information and to register for Remote Working and Communities – adapting community facilities for remote workers, click HERE.
We look forward to meeting you online!
