Nov 6, 2024
• New Plan designed to progress the National Sports Policy
• Enhanced focus on disability in sport, local sports plans, the volunteer sector and narrowing the gender participation gap
• Publication follows landmark Budget 2025 which doubled sports funding compared to 2018 levels two years ahead of schedule
Today (6 November 2024), the Minister of State for Sport, Physical Education and the Gaeltacht, Thomas Byrne TD, published the Sports Action Plan 2024-2027. The new Plan has been published with the aim of ensuring the continued development and success of Irish sport. 47 specific initiatives are set out under the Plan with the intention of further advancing the National Sports Policy, which was published in 2018, and concludes in 2027. The National Sports Policy committed the Government to doubling funding in sport to more than €220 million by 2027, compared to 2018 levels, but this target has been reached two years ahead of schedule, with Budget 2025 having allocated over €230 million for sport. The new Sports Action Plan continues the strong focus of the Government on boosting participation levels in sport and physical activity and it also includes a number of new specific actions that focus on other important priorities. The ongoing necessity to address enduring challenges for youth and disability participation in sport is a prominent feature of the new Plan. In addition, there is a stronger focus on sectoral and environmental sustainability.
Some highlights of the new Sports Action Plan include:
· Supporting the roll-out of Local Sports Plans in each Local Authority.
· Developing the Volunteering in Sport sector.
· Appointment of a Disability in Sport Lead by Sport Ireland.
· Reviewing disability sport funding and approach.
· Researching scope to introduce design improvements in sports facilities to meet the specific needs of women and girls in sport.
· Improving the linkage between sporting bodies and schools and maximising community access to sports facilities in schools.
· Support development of camogie and hurling in accordance with its special cultural designation by UNESCO.
To read the full Plan click here.
The plan was developed by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Sport, Gaeltacht and Media with the assistance of Sport Ireland and a Sports Leadership Group, which is convened by the Department and chaired by Minister Byrne.
Launching the plan, Minister Thomas Byrne said:
“The publication of the new Sports Action Plan underlines the commitment and determination of the government to increase our participation levels in sport and physical activity. In order to meet our ambitious participation targets, we need to promote a ‘Sport for All’ approach and the publication of this new plan is one way in which we are working to tackle the participation gap where it exists, such as among people with a disability.
The new Sports Action Plan advances the significant progress made to date under the National Sports Policy when it comes to increasing our participation levels, developing high performance sport in Ireland and in improving the governance and capacity of the sport sector. Budget 2025 also represented a landmark moment for Irish sport when funding for sport was more than doubled compared to 2018 levels, which meant that a key priority under the National Sports Policy was met, two years ahead of schedule.”
Minister Byrne added:
“In my dual role as Minister of State for Sport and Physical Education, I recognise how important it is to get people involved in sport from a young age and fundamentally, to find ways to encourage them to stay involved throughout their life.
The new Sports Action Plan includes a strong focus on developing the link between sport and education, involving a series of actions to support such initiatives, as the Active School Flag programme, as well endeavouring to maximise community access to sports facilities in schools.”
Nov 5, 2024
Partners of the Federation 2into3 were successful in securing funding worth €43million for 13 clients. A massive congratulations to their clients on their success in LSSIF 2024 grant allocations. A total of 13 clients were successful in this funding round and received €43.25 million, which is a monumental achievement for a range of NGBs, County Councils, Universities and sports organisations across Ireland. Undoubtedly, this funding will be transformative for a range of sports facilities and will have a significant impact on their communities.
Naturally while they were pleased with the success of many, they note that not everyone was successful in this round. However, it is encouraging to see that a reserve list has been created and they look forward to learning more about how this will be implemented.
Patricia Keenan, Director of Funding, 2into3
We’re thrilled for our clients on their recent success in securing over €43 million in funding LSSIF. We understand that unfortunately, there is some disappointment from certain applicants and await updates from the reserve list. It’s been a pleasure to work with a range of projects from their initial stages of development. This funding will undoubtedly have a transformative impact on Irish sports infrastructure and communities across the country. Once again, congratulations to all involved and the real work of getting your projects implemented can commence!
Dennis O’Connor, CEO, 2into3
The overall level of funding available was significantly less than the demand, €173m vs €660m and 35 out of 90 applicants (39% of applicants) have been allocated funding so far. We are delighted that 60% of clients we supported secured an allocation and we will continue to work with those on reserve list to secure funding that reflects the scale of investment needed in Sports Infrastructure.
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.”
