Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 3 July 2025
243. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the amount of State funding allocated to the IRFU; whether he is aware the IRFU is accumulating significant real estate near the Aviva Stadium; and if state funding has been used for this purpose. [36758/25]
View answerMy Department operates two capital funding programmes for sport, namely the Community Sports Facilities Fund (CSFF) and the Large-Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF). These programmes provide for investment in sports facilities across a wide range of codes including rugby. The funds do not support the purchase of land and I confirm that my Department has not provided funding for the purposes referred to in the question.
Details of the latest CSFF allocations are available on the Department’s website at www.gov.ie/en/publication/3f9fa-community-sport-facilities-funding/, while information on previous rounds can be accessed here: www.gov.ie/en/collection/471ed5-sports-capital-allocations/. Details on LSSIF allocations can be found here: www.gov.ie/en/campaigns/54403-large-scale-sport-infrastructure-fund-lssif/
Sport Ireland, which is funded by my Department, is the statutory body with responsibility for the development of sport. Sports Ireland also provides current funding to the IRFU. This funding would not be available for the purchase of properties.
I have referred the Deputy's question to Sport Ireland for direct reply in relation to its funding support. I would ask the Deputy to inform my office if a reply is not received within 10 days.
