Sports Funding

Tuesday, 20 January 2026

Questions (170, 181, 201)

Séamus McGrath

Question:

170. Deputy Séamus McGrath asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport when the next Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund application process will commence. [4067/26]

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181. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport to outline the expected budget for the Large-Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund; when he expects this fund to open for applications for the next round of funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3766/26]

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Conor D McGuinness

Question:

201. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport when the next round of the Large Scale Sports Infrastructure Fund will open. [4075/26]

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Written answers

Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport (Deputy Patrick O'Donovan)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 170, 181 and 201 together.

The Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund was established under the National Sports Policy to provide Exchequer support for larger sports facility projects, typically those requiring investments greater than the maximum available under the CSFF. The scheme is aimed primarily at National Governing Bodies (NGBs) and Local Authorities; it is also open to other bodies, but such applications would necessarily have to be made and prioritised by a Local Authority and/or a NGB.

The cumulative investment under the LSSIF since 2020 is now €297 million across 68 projects. The LSSIF is currently closed to applications. With regard to a future round of the LSSIF, I am committed to ensuring sustained investment in sports facilities to meet our ambitious goals for sports participation nationwide. The Programme for Government commits to maintaining sports funding to get more people participating in all levels of sport, particularly targeting cohorts in society where there is lower than average participation levels. My current focus is on ensuring project delivery under the first two rounds of the LSSIF and this process will inform any decisions regarding the timing of a future round. No decisions have yet been made regarding the next round of LSSIF.