Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 March 2026
193. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the supports available to local sports clubs that do not own their own land to access the sports capital grant to improve their facilities, such as all-weather pitches; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16772/26]
View answerMy department operates two capital funding programmes for sport, namely the Community Sport Facilities Fund (CSFF) and the Large-Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF). Sporting organisations can apply directly for CSFF funding while applications to the LSSIF must be made through either a National Governing Body (NGB) of Sport or a Local Authority.
Capital grant limits for the CSFF are based on the security of tenure held by the applicant. Funding of up to €200,000 is available to organisations that either own the subject land or hold a lease registered with Tailte Éireann with at least 15 years remaining. For organisations without a registered chargeable title, capital funding is restricted to a maximum of €70,000.
The Community Sport Facilities Fund (CSFF) provides that, if the land owner is entitled to apply for CSFF funding in its own right, then the landlord must make the application on behalf of the sports user.
Availability and ease of access to sports facilities, whether in a club setting, on public lands or in other amenity areas, is a key factor in drawing more people to participation in sport. Planning for future facilities’ needs, locations and types is a particular focus of our current Sports Action Plan.
Given the challenges of increased demand and a growing population, I consider that there is real merit in the development of municipally-backed shared facilities and I encourage sports' National Governing Bodies and local authorities to collaborate in this regard.
Question No. 194 answered with Question No. 172.
