Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 15 January 2026
369. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the funding schemes administered by his Department which a club (details supplied) could apply to for support for the redevelopment of a clubhouse; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3079/26]
View answerThe Community Sport Facilities Fund (CSFF) is the primary vehicle for Government support for the development of sports and recreation facilities and the purchase of non-personal sports equipment throughout the country. The Programme for Government commits to continuing the CSFF and to prioritising investment in disadvantaged areas.
Over a quarter of a billion euro was allocated to 3,048 community sports clubs and facilities in 2024 from the CSFF, representing the largest-ever investment in sports facilities in communities across Ireland.
The club referred to by the Deputy was successful in a number of applications under CSFF and was allocated a total of €306,460 in funding since 2002. In 2024 the club was allocated funding of €66,757 towards LED floodlighting and sustainability upgrade works.
In line with previous rounds of the Fund, a review of the current funding round is being undertaken and will be completed shortly. I have asked my Department to prepare for a further round of the CSFF in 2026. It is anticipated that the next round will particularly target areas and sports that have been under-invested in over the years.
As a registered club, the club referred to by the Deputy will be automatically notified when a new round of the CSFF is open for applications.
In addition, the Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF) provides Exchequer investment to projects where the funding sought is greater than the maximum amount available under the CSFF. To date, €297 million has been allocated under the first two LSSIF rounds (2018 and 2024) and my current focus is on ensuring project delivery under those rounds. This process will inform any decisions regarding the timing of a future LSSIF round. Funding under LSSIF typically targets larger projects with a wider, regional impact. Accordingly, the CSFF is likely to be the more suitable funding stream for the project referred to.
