Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 March 2026
162. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the solutions being considered to address anti-social behaviour and the use of flares at League of Ireland games following a match (details supplied); the length of time the funding pause for applications from League of Ireland clubs for astro pitches will last; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16761/26]
View answerI strongly condemn the behaviour of a small number of spectators at the match in question, which saw a young fan injured and significant damage done to a brand-new playing pitch which was funded by the taxpayer via the Community Sport Facilities Fund and by the local community.
Ultimately, it is each sport's responsibility to present their games in safe and welcoming environments, and the behaviour witnessed at the match is utterly unacceptable.
Minister O'Donovan and I met with the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) last week to convey our serious concerns about anti-social behaviour and the use or throwing of pyrotechnics inside football grounds. I commend the FAI's independent disciplinary process for its swift response in imposing significant sanctions on the so-called fans that were identified as contributing to the damage to the pitch and also on their parent club. The FAI’s proposals for enhanced future security measures to guard against incidents like this are also very welcome, as is the prompt acknowledgement by the club in question that it will also pay the costs of pitch rehabilitation.
Minister O’Donovan had directed last Monday, on foot of the incidents at this game, that any Departmental funding to other League of Ireland astro-turf pitches be paused until the sport’s response was clear. This pausing has now been rescinded on foot of the clear and decisive action by the FAI and the clubs in question.
Anti-social behaviour at sports events must not be tolerated and it is imperative that all sports organisations provide a welcoming, respectful and safe environment for their patrons.
