Sports Funding

Thursday, 30 April 2026

Questions (323)

Noel McCarthy

Question:

323. Deputy Noel McCarthy asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport when he expects the application process for the Community Sports Facilities Fund to open and the scheme details to be published; the minimum contribution required by applicants towards total project costs; the projected theme for this funding round; if two separate capital projects for the same club can be accommodated in the one application if the costs of the projected works fall below the maximum local project threshold of €200,000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31603/26]

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Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport

In line with previous rounds of the Community Sport Facilities Fund (CSFF), a review of the current funding round has been undertaken and will be finalised shortly. I have asked my department to prepare for a 2026 round of the CSFF in the coming months. It is anticipated that the next CSFF round will particularly target areas and sports that have been under-invested in over the years.

My Department is currently collating feedback from sporting clubs and organisations from this most recent round and this is very valuable input to our ongoing preparations for the next round. New guidelines will be published in advance of the next round and these will include, inter alia, the own-funding requirements for applicants.

My aim is to have as many eligible sporting bodies as possible applying, by simplifying the application process and guide and carrying out a wide-reaching communications and engagement campaign.

My Department adopts a flexible approach to accommodating grantees who wish to include separate projects under a single capital application for the same club, once the total costs are below the maximum relevant CSFF threshold and the works to be funded are in line with the terms and conditions of the CSFF.