Thursday 30th November 2017

The Federation of Irish Sport is delighted to welcome the announcement of the many facilities both new and existing that are to be supported by the Sports Capital Grants which the Government has announced today. We are particularly pleased with the additional funding which has seen the original fund of €30 million being increased to €56 million. Given that the scheme attracted so many applications the decision to bring forward funding has enabled a much wider range of projects to receive funding.

We see the Sports Capital Grant programme as an endorsement of An Taoiseach’s stated commitment to doubling funding for sport over a seven-year period. It is, however, vital that the investment in infrastructure is matched by investment in people and programmes in order to ensure that all of the new or enhanced facilities deliver to their full potential for Irish Sport. For that to happen future budgets must begin the complementary process of restoring the funds for current expenditure on sport. These are the funds that enable Sport Ireland and our members –   the National Governing Bodies and the Local Sports Partnerships – to create the necessary programmes to ensure facilities all over the country realise their full potential.

(ends)

Contact:  Roddy Guiney, Chairman, Federation of Irish Sport

Tel:  087 2523 095