Michael Cahill
Question:613. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if he will acknowledge the importance of funding for sports clubs and organisations (details supplied). [72007/25]
View answerTuesday, 20 January 2026
Questions (613)
Written answers
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 are lower than average participation levels.
My Department operates two capital funding programmes for sport, namely the Community Sport Facilities Fund (CSFF) and the Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF.
Over a quarter of a billion euro was allocated to 3,048 community sports clubs and facilities in 2024 under the 2023 round of the CSFF, representing the largest-ever investment in sports facilities in communities across Ireland.
€14,406,067 was allocated to 153 sporting projects in County Kerry under the 2023 round of the CSFF and, since 2017, a total of €25,712,250 has been allocated to 466 sporting projects in County Kerry.
In line with previous rounds of the Fund, a review of the current funding round has been undertaken and will be published 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.
A total of €297 million has been allocated under LSSIF 2018 and 2024. In 2024, three projects in County Kerry were allocated a total of €7,750,000. This includes a €6 million investment in Fitzgerald Stadium in Killarney, a €1 million investment in a multisport complex in Derreen, Killarney and a €750,000 investment in Killarney Rugby Club.
My current focus in relation to LSSIF is on ensuring project delivery under the first two rounds of the scheme. No decisions have been taken regarding the next round of LSSIF.