My Department's main role with regard to artificial pitches relates to the provision of grant assistance for the development of such facilities.
In this regard, the 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. Over 19,000 projects have now benefited from sports capital funding since 1998, bringing the total allocations in that time to over €1.4 billion. The Programme for Government commits to continuing the CSFF and to prioritising investment in disadvantaged areas.
It is a requirement of the CSFF that all materials purchased and development works generally comply with all relevant national and EU regulations. In September 2023, the European Commission completed the adoption of the EU REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals) restriction on the sale of intentionally added microplastics in the European market, which includes rubber infill for 3G artificial pitches. The primary aim of the restriction is to eradicate, over time, the leaking of intentionally added microplastics from various sources, including artificial sports pitches, into the environment and to replace these microplastics with more environmental and sustainable alternatives.
The Commission has confirmed an eight-year transition period before the new restriction becomes effective and from October 2031, clubs will no longer be able to purchase rubber crumb within the EU.
The negotiations on the proposals were led by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. The proposed measures do not specify which alternatives would be suitable or preferable, only which materials cannot be used in the future. I understand however, that the Commission is satisfied that suitable alternative materials are available. The proposed transition period for the ban on placing on the market of granular rubber infill is 8 years to ensure that a larger number of existing synthetic sports surfaces using this product can reach their natural end-of life before they need to be replaced.
If a club has any concerns or queries in this regard, they can contact my Department officials in the Sports Capital Programme unit at sportscapitalprogramme@ccs.gov.ie and my officials will assist and advise.
