Darren O'Rourke
Question:31. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if he plans to build new public swimming pools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31769/26]
View answerSwimming Pools
Questions (31)
Written answers
Ireland’s first-ever National Swimming Strategy, published in 2024, sets out a vision to provide everyone in our country with an opportunity to swim. It includes an Action Plan containing over fifty actions across five thematic strands, focusing on providing improved facilities, increasing access for people with disabilities, improving the culture of inclusion, better coaching supports, increasing safety awareness and providing a pathway that allows for the nurturing and development of potential high performers.
Further to a specific action in the Strategy, Swim Ireland carried out an in-depth analysis of swimming pool provision within Ireland, examining the condition and age of facilities, community accessibility, the availability of swimming lessons, energy and sustainability practices, and the provincial and county-level distribution of pools. The resultant Swimming Pool Gap Analysis Report, published in late-2025, is available on Swim Ireland’s website. The report is being examined by my Department and will be a key input to the future development of swimming pool facilities by enabling enhanced decision-making with regard to targeting investment more effectively.
In this context, my Department operates two capital funding programmes for sport, namely the Community Sport Facilities Fund (CSFF) and the Large-Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF). Applications under both programmes are subject to published guidelines and conditions. Capital support for any new swimming pool projects is now provided through the LSSIF, the aim of which is to provide Exchequer support for larger sports facility projects.
LSSIF applications must be made by either a local authority or a National Governing Body of Sport (NGB). The LSSIF is currently closed to applications, and no decisions have yet been made regarding the timing the next round.
Applications for the refurbishment of pools, for other swimming infrastructure works and for the purchase of non-personal swimming equipment can be made under the CSFF, the next round of which I intend in the first half of this year.
Departmental Strategies
Questions (32)
Cathy Bennett
Question:32. Deputy Cathy Bennett asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the manner in which Ireland’s International Sports Diplomacy Strategy supports the work and goals of his Department given his recent comments (details supplied). [33295/26]
View answerWritten answers
The vision of the International Sports Diplomacy Strategy is to enhance Ireland’s international engagement through the unifying power of sport, to establish Ireland as a sporting hub and to build a global reputation as a premier sporting nation, fostering opportunities for international partnerships, cultural exchange, diaspora engagement, advancing foreign policy priorities, increasing domestic participation and promoting Ireland.
Building on the International Sports Diplomacy Framework that was published last year, and informed by extensive consultation with key stakeholders across Government, State Agencies, business, civil society, and sporting organisations, the Strategy brings a number of developed policy strands together, harmonising the work that has already been done and giving it greater structured recognition.
In so doing, it seeks to maximise the value of significant Government investment in both Ireland’s international footprint and in sports at every level, to support stronger coordination among key stakeholders and to identify and support new international sports diplomacy initiatives in line with the goals of the Strategy, as follows:
• Goal 1: To promote Ireland as a sporting nation.
• Goal 2: To use sport, including Gaelic Games, to deepen our diaspora’s connection to Ireland.
• Goal 3: To support international sporting partnerships and cooperation in line with Ireland’s values and interests.
• Goal 4: To maximise the economic value of international sports diplomacy and engagement in major sporting events.
To drive implementation and strong coordination among key stakeholders, a new International Sports Diplomacy Implementation Group has been established and this includes relevant Government Departments and State Agencies. The Group will engage with the private sector, sporting bodies and key stakeholders, including diaspora representatives, to inform the implementation of the Strategy. A representative stakeholder group will be established to facilitate this engagement.
In the context of a shared island, sport heightens global awareness of Ireland as an island with a shared sporting heritage, outlook and offering, and can foster a stronger feeling of connection to the island amongst people from all traditions and all parts of the island. The Strategy’s related public diplomacy campaigns and communications will focus on conveying these messages.
In line with the commitments in the Programme for Government, this Strategy commits to work with sport development initiatives, humanitarian partners and other stakeholders to support sporting initiatives with the potential to achieve positive development outcomes, with a particular focus on the empowerment of youth and girls.
This Strategy also seeks to position Ireland at the intersection of sport, technology, and global business, creating opportunities to strengthen Ireland’s reputation as a leader in research and innovation, to support Irish companies and to attract foreign direct investment.
Question No. 33 answered orally.
Arts Funding
Questions (34)
Richard Boyd Barrett
Question:34. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport whether he will respond to the call of theatre practitioners for multi-annual funding of theatre companies, to sustain and encourage the growth of smaller theatre companies. [33420/26]
View answerWritten answers
As outlined in the Programme for Government, the Government believes that culture and the arts are essential to a well-rounded society, providing opportunities for education, expression and community engagement. Ireland is world renowned for our rich, diverse and vibrant arts sector.
Ireland is renowned for producing world class theatre, from a proud tradition of literary and canonical plays through to more contemporary and experimental work that borrows from other artforms including music, dance, visual arts and film.
A network of cultural infrastructure exists throughout the country with the majority in the ownership of local authorities. Annual support, including programming and revenue supports, is provided to these theatres and arts centres by local authorities and the Arts Council. My Department focuses on providing capital grant funding to assist development and to maintain these arts and cultural facilities.
Under the Arts Act 2003, the Arts Council has primary responsibility for the development of the arts in Ireland and Budget 2026 has maintained the record funding of €140 million for the Arts Council.
The Arts Council supports theatre artists at all stages of their careers to create work that reflects Ireland out to the world and back on itself. Theatre is the highest-attended ticketed artform that the Arts Council supports.
The Arts Council's approach to supporting theatre is currently being reviewed and they have recently consulted with professional theatre organisations and artists, community-based theatre groups, festivals and arts centres.
As part of an ongoing review of the Arts Councils approach to supporting the theatre sector, they sought insights from practitioners working across the sector in all disciplines through a consultation process. These consultations were based on the feedback from a sector-wide survey which took place last year and were open to all theatre practitioners and genres, including musical theatre and community-based (amateur) theatre.
The Arts Council already recognises the many and varied ways theatre artists work, and supports artists to engage with audiences across Ireland and beyond in the creation, development, production and dissemination of theatre.
The Arts Council funds a range of theatre artists and organisations, from production companies to producing theatres and resource and representative organisations. Support for theatre production is primarily through Strategic Funding, Arts Grants Funding and Project awards. They also fund individual artists and organisations on a once-off basis through the Project Award.
Departmental Policies
Questions (35)
Naoise Ó Cearúil
Question:35. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the way in which his Department is ensuring delivery of the final-phase targets under the National Sports Policy 2018-2027, particularly the participation and diversity commitments due for completion in 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33217/26]
View answerWritten answers
The National Sports Policy 2018-2027 (NSP) sets out a vision for sport in Ireland in 2027. The Policy is grounded in a ‘Sport for All’ ethos that emphasises inclusion within sport and increasing participation among under-represented cohorts.
The NSP set out an ambitious plan to eradicate the gender participation gap over its lifetime, with significant strides having been made in this regard. The Irish Sports Monitor Report for 2024 shows that sport participation levels among women is at 47%, an increase of one percentage point since 2023, and the gap between men and women is now less than 3%.
Despite recent progress, there is an enduring participation gap between persons with either a long-term illness or a disability and those without such challenges. Both the Department and Sport Ireland, which is funded by my Department as the statutory body with responsibility for the development of sport including the promotion of sports participation at all levels, are committed to reducing this participation gap.
Published in November 2024, the Sports Action Plan outlined 47 actions to further advance delivery of the NSP prior to its conclusion in 2027. Among the actions set out under the ‘Equality, Diversity, Inclusion’ pillar were the appointment of a Disability in Sport Lead within Sport Ireland and ensuring 40% gender representation on the boards of national sports organisations. In February 2025, Sport Ireland appointed a Disability in Sport Lead and the overall percentage of women on the boards of National Governing Bodies of Sport (NGBs) is currently 47%, representing an increase of 18% since 2020. For Local Sports Partnerships (LSPs), 52% of board members are women.
Government leadership was key to delivering on this progress, particularly the decision to mandate that NGBs and LSPs that failed to reach the 40% board gender balance target would only be permitted to draw dawn 50% of core funding allocation, until such time as the target was reached.
Sports Funding
Questions (36)
Richard Boyd Barrett
Question:36. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if any section of his Department has received any applications for funding for an ice hockey arena; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33159/26]
View answerWritten answers
A business case has been submitted to my Department regarding the proposed development of an ice hockey and winter sports arena in Cherrywood, Dublin. The facility would feature two Olympic-sized ice rinks and serve as a permanent home for Irish ice sports. The arena’s multipurpose design would also facilitate the hosting of a variety of events such as concerts, conferences and exhibitions.
While the project promoters, Prime Arena Holdings, have secured private funding for the majority of the project cost, they are also seeking sizable State investment. Minister O’Donovan and I, with officials, have met them to receive a detailed presentation on the proposal. I understand that the promoters have also engaged with a number of other Government colleagues and State Agencies.
My Department has looked at the proposed project, with a specific focus on the sporting benefits arising. The project, which proposes two ice rinks, one for use by a professional ice hockey franchise and the second made publicly available and operated in conjunction with Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, also has a range of other potential benefits.
These potential benefits arise for a range of other sectors such as tourism, business and events. Therefore, any decision regarding a significant State investment in the project would ultimately be a matter for the whole Government, based on detailed engagement and consideration by a range of other departments and agencies.
Swimming Pools
Questions (37)
Louis O'Hara
Question:37. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if he will if he will devise a plan in conjunction with Galway County Council, to progress a publicly owned swimming pool in Loughrea; if he will consider Galway County Council's request for funding for a swimming pool project development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32065/26]
View answerWritten answers
My Department operates two capital funding programmes for sport, namely the Community Sport Facilities Fund (CSFF) and the Large-Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF). Capital support for any new swimming pool projects is now provided through the LSSIF, the aim of which is to provide Exchequer support for larger sports facility projects. Applications under LSSIF must be made by either a local authority or a National Governing Body of Sport. Ultimately, it is a matter for those organisations to prioritise their capital development requirements. I note that no application was received for Loughrea swimming pool under the LSSIF.
To date, €297 million has been allocated under LSSIF. Of this, €41.4 million has been allocated to swimming pool and aquatic infrastructure projects including just over €8 million to Galway City and County Council for Galway Regional Aquatic and Fitness Centre.
The full marking scheme and assessment process for LSSIF 2018 and LSSIF 2024 is published on the Department’s website. I would encourage any prospective applicants to review the LSSIF scheme guidelines and priorities for previous rounds as part of their preparatory process for a future LSSIF round. It is important to note that, while these resources can serve as a helpful reference, any new guidelines and conditions associated with a future round of the Fund may differ from those previously published on my Department’s website.
Previously, government support for new swimming pools or the refurbishment of existing pools was provided through the Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme (LASPP). In May 2009, the then-Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism approved a grant of €1.7 million to Galway County Council under the LASPP for the construction of a swimming pool in Loughrea. However, the local authority advised the Department in April 2012 that it was not proceeding with the project. In July 2013, the Department informed the local authority that the funding was withdrawn.
LSSIF is currently closed to applications at present and my current focus is on ensuring project delivery under the first two rounds of the LSSIF. This process will inform any decisions regarding the timing of a future round, but I am committed to ensuring sustained investment in sports facilities to meet our ambitious goals for sports participation nationwide.
Postal Services
Questions (38)
Cathal Crowe
Question:38. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if he will outline any plans he and An Post have for a more expansive range of public services available at post offices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32460/26]
View answerWritten answers
The Government is committed to a sustainable An Post and post office network as a key component of the economic and social infrastructure throughout Ireland. The Programme for Government commits to providing the nationwide network of post offices with funding to ensure their sustainability and enhance the value they bring to local communities. In line with this commitment, on 13 January 2026, Government approved renewed funding for the Post Office Network over the next 5 years (2026-2030), at an enhanced amount of €15m per annum from my Department.
It should be noted that An Post is a commercial State body with a mandate to act commercially. An Post has statutory responsibility for the State's postal service and the post office network. Decisions relating to the network, including decisions relating to specific post offices and services offered through the network are operational matters for the Board and management of the company and not one in which I have any function. The terms under which Postmasters contract with An Post is a matter between the Postmasters and An Post and any negotiations are a matter for both parties directly.
While the operation of the network is a matter for the company, it should be noted An Post provides important services to its customers and key Government services to citizens; including through commercial contracts with the Department of Social Protection and the National Treasury Management Agency.
The report of the Interdepartmental Group, which was established to, inter alia, examine the feasibility of additional Government services being contracted through An Post and the Post Office Network was published in 2022. None of the Departments or agencies involved were in a position to offer additional services for delivery by An Post. It is a matter for each Department or agency with responsibility for a service to consider how best to deliver their services. However, while I have no role in services outside of my remit, and cannot transfer such services to An Post, I and my officials will be happy to engage with Departments should they wish to transfer services under their remit.
Questions Nos. 39 and 40 answered orally.
Social Media
Questions (41)
Erin McGreehan
Question:41. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport for an update on any proposals for a ban on social media for under 16’s; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32804/26]
View answerWritten answers
Several Member States are each examining questions of prohibiting access by children and young people to social media platforms and some are taking steps to do so, including France, which is debating legislation to restrict access to social media for under-15s. Australia has introduced such a measure in respect of under-16s and other jurisdictions are considering similar measures. However, across the European Union there are different views on whether there should be a digital age of majority, and if there was such an age, what that age should be and whether it should be an outright ban or a ban subject to parental consent.
The Government's position on the issue of restricting access to social media platforms for children under 16 years of age is set out in the Government's National Digital and AI Strategy, Digital Ireland – Connecting our People, Securing our Future and is informed by the position that any decision on a digital age of majority would be better taken by the EU and EU Member States together. A harmonised set of rules is easier to enforce across borders.
The Government is committed to working closely with like-minded European Union member states on proposals to restrict social media access for children and young people, with 16 being our preferred age. In that regard, it is important to note that the President of the European Commission Ursula van der Leyen has established an expert panel to examine the issue, including the implementation of Australia’s social media age restriction policy. The expert group is expected to report on its findings this summer. That report will be informative and help to advance the debate in Europe as to the most appropriate approach.
Swimming Pools
Questions (42, 59, 62)
Matt Carthy
Question:42. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the steps that Monaghan County Council should take to secure funding for a swimming pool in Carrickmacross; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33095/26]
View answer
Conor D. McGuinness
Question:59. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport when the next round of the Large Scale Sports Infrastructure Fund will open; and if projects such as a public swimming pool for Dún Garbhán in Port Láirge will be considered when the fund opens again. [33097/26]
View answer
Noel McCarthy
Question:62. Deputy Noel McCarthy asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the measures being taken by his Department to encourage the establishment of public swimming pools in areas where no such facilities currently exist; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32980/26]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 42, 59 and 62 together.
My Department operates two capital funding programmes for sport, namely the Community Sport Facilities Fund (CSFF) and the Large-Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF). Capital support for new swimming pools, and the refurbishment of existing pools, is provided by my Department through the LSSIF which, to date, has allocated €41.4 million to swimming pool and aquatic infrastructure projects. Details of allocations under the LSSIF are available on my Department’s website. No applications have been received for Carrickmacross or Dún Garbhán swimming pools.
The LSSIF is aimed primarily at National Governing Bodies (NGBs) and local authorities. Other bodies can also benefit, but applications have to be made and prioritised by a local authority and/or a NGB. The full marking scheme, guidelines and assessment process for LSSIF 2018 and 2024 are published on my Department’s website. I would encourage any prospective applicants to review these documents in preparation for a future LSSIF round, while noting that guidelines and conditions for a future round may differ from those previously published.
The LSSIF is currently closed to applications. My current focus is on ensuring project delivery under the first two rounds of the LSSIF. This process will inform any decisions regarding the timing of a future round, but I am committed to ensuring sustained investment in sports facilities to meet our ambitious goals for sports participation nationwide.
Ireland’s first National Swimming Strategy was published in 2024 and sets out a vision to provide everyone in our country with an opportunity to swim. It includes an Action Plan containing over fifty actions across five thematic strands, focusing on providing improved facilities, increasing access for people with disabilities, improving the culture of inclusion, better coaching supports, increasing safety awareness and providing a pathway that allows for the nurturing and development of potential high performers.
Further to a specific action in the Strategy, Swim Ireland carried out an in-depth analysis of swimming pool provision within Ireland, with particular reference to identifying gaps in provision. The resultant Swimming Pool Gap Analysis Report was finalised in late 2025 and is available on Swim Ireland’s website. The report is being examined by my Department and will be a key input to the future development of swimming pool facilities by enabling enhanced decision-making with regard to targeting investment more effectively.
Sports Events
Questions (43)
Pádraig O'Sullivan
Question:43. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the progress being made on the UK and Ireland bid for the 2028 UEFA European Championships; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32808/26]
View answerWritten answers
In October 2023, UEFA announced Ireland and the UK as the hosts for EURO 2028. Subsequently, it was confirmed that Dublin will host seven matches during the tournament including a quarter-final. The Government has committed to invest up to €93 million in supporting the event and it is anticipated that the tournament will generate €449 million in socio-economic benefits for Ireland.
A number of governance and working structures have been or are being established both centrally, to cover the joint aspects of the project, and locally, to deliver the games being hosted in Dublin. This includes the establishment of UK&I 2028 Ltd, the tournament delivery company owned by the football associations and funded by Governments and UEFA, which has been operational since March 2025. A local delivery structure is being implemented to lead on the coordination of local deliverables (Fan Zones, Rights Protection, Local Safety, Security and Mobility etc.) and provide assurance over the coordination and delivery of the tournament in Dublin.
While the immediate economic impact of hosting EURO 2028 will be significant, it is important that the event and the Government investment is also used to leverage long-term benefits for football and for the wider community. In this regard, a significant legacy programme is being developed to ensure there is an opportunity for everybody to partake in EURO 2028, and deliver a meaningful community benefit in the lead up to and following the completion of the tournament.
A strong cross-partnership evaluation programme is also being developed to examine the level of success of the tournament in delivering its economic, sporting and social impact objectives.
This tournament will be one of the largest sporting events ever hosted in Ireland and the Government is committed to it being the best hosting of the tournament to date and to ensure a lasting legacy for the game in Ireland.
Artists' Remuneration
Questions (44)
Cathy Bennett
Question:44. Deputy Cathy Bennett asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if he will report on the operation of the basic income for the arts scheme. [33294/26]
View answerWritten answers
In February I was delighted to announce that the Government had agreed to a successor scheme to the Basic Income for the Arts pilot. Guidelines for the new scheme were published by my Department on April 1st. The applications portal opened on April 15th and will remain open until May 12th. The BIA will provide 2,000 professional artists with a weekly payment of €325 for a period of three years.
This is a major milestone for the arts in Ireland and I am particularly pleased that the research my Department conducted provided Government with a clear evidence base upon which to make that decision. The research clearly demonstrated both how precarious and difficult it is to be an artist and also the positive benefits for society as a whole if we invest in our artists.
The focus of the successor scheme is to support professional artists whose creative practice is based in Ireland.
With an allocation of €18.27 million for 2026, my Department is in a position to fund 2,000 artists. We have seen strong demand for the scheme with approximately 3,000 applications already submitted, under the pilot scheme over 8,200 eligible applications were received.
Assessment for eligibility and the selection of successful applicants for the scheme will begin once applications close on May 12. I expect payments to begin before the end of the year. The scheme is broadly similar in design to the pilot scheme, however the eligibility criteria have been strengthened and annual audits to ensure ongoing eligibility have been introduced.
This is a ground-breaking support for the arts in Ireland and recognising the importance of supporting artistic practice and makes Ireland a world-leader in how we support our artists and culture and will help to sustain the careers of those artists who will receive it and retain their talent in the arts sector.
I encourage artists from every background and every corner of the country to apply for the Basic Income for the Arts. I am pleased to be the Minister responsible for making this support for professional artists permanent.
Film Industry
Questions (45)
Richard Boyd Barrett
Question:45. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport whether a report was ever written on the Section 481 Film Tax Credit stakeholder forum for the film industry held in Dublin in February 2024, in line with commitments at the time; and if so, if it has been published and where it can be accessed. [28776/26]
View answerWritten answers
The Output Report on the Section 481 Stakeholder Forum held on 8 February 2024 is available at
https://assets.gov.ie/static/documents/01774739/Output_Report_Section_481_Stakeholder_Forum_8th_Feb_2024.pdf.
Swimming Pools
Questions (46)
Pádraig Mac Lochlainn
Question:46. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport to make a firm commitment that the necessary funding will be provided from his Department to rebuild a centre (details supplied) once the latest design plans have been finalised, and it is ready to go to tender in the months ahead. [32814/26]
View answerWritten answers
Capital support for new swimming pools, and the refurbishment of existing pools, is provided by my Department through the Large-Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF) which to date has allocated €41,403,437 to 12 swimming pool projects.
In November 2024, up to €2 million was awarded for design costs to Donegal County Council for the Buncrana leisure centre project. The design team has been appointed and is currently working on the design element of the project, and potential next steps can be considered when that work is complete. My officials remain in regular contact with Donegal County Council which has responsibility for the further development of the project.
More generally, my current focus is on ensuring project delivery under the first two rounds of the LSSIF, 2018 and 2024, and this process will inform any decisions regarding the timing of a future round. No decisions have yet been made regarding the next round of LSSIF.
Swimming Pools
Questions (47)
James O'Connor
Question:47. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the progress he has made on the Programme for Government commitment to implement the New National Swimming Strategy by investing in pools and swimming facilities allowing everyone an opportunity to swim. [33162/26]
View answerWritten answers
The National Swimming Strategy was published in 2024 and commits the Department to reviewing the implementation of the Strategy’s Action Plan on an annual basis, commencing in December 2025, and in that regard a copy the first Progress Report is available online at the following link: https://url.uk.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/8LNOCpXEPC07RDhPfBTGL3p9?domain=gov.ie/.
Further to a specific action in the Strategy, Swim Ireland carried out an in-depth analysis of swimming pool provision within Ireland, examining the condition and age of facilities, community accessibility, the availability of swimming lessons, energy and sustainability practices, and the provincial and county-level distribution of pools. The resultant Swimming Pool Gap Analysis Report, which was published at the end of 2025, is available on Swim Ireland’s website at the following link: https://swimireland.ie/2025/12/09/swim-ireland-report-a-pool-within-reach-remains-a-distant-reality-amidst-critical-swimming-infrastructure-gaps/. The report is being examined by my Department and will be a key input to the future development of swimming pool facilities by enabling enhanced decision-making with regard to targeting investment more effectively.
In this context, my Department operates two capital funding programmes for sport, namely the Community Sport Facilities Fund (CSFF) and the Large-Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF). Applications under both programmes are subject to published guidelines and conditions.
LSSIF applications must be made by either a local authority or a National Governing Body of Sport (NGB). To date, €41.4 million has been allocated to 12 swimming pool projects under the LSSIF. The LSSIF is currently closed to applications, and no decisions have yet been made regarding the timing the next round.
Applications for the refurbishment of pools and the purchase of non-personal swimming equipment can be made under the CSFF, the next round of which will open later in 2026. I would encourage all swimming clubs and organisations interested in developing their facilities, and in applying for a CSFF grant, to begin planning now and to ensure applications are fully aligned with the goals and guidelines of the scheme. In total over €1.5 million was allocated to swimming under the 2023 CSFF round and over €3.7 million has been allocated since 2015.
Funded under the Healthy Ireland Initiative, and administered by Sport Ireland, the Outdoor Swimming Infrastructure Fund allocated €830,000 in 2024 and 2025 to 68 separate outdoor swimming facilities nationwide. The funding has made the approved swimming locations more accessible by supporting the provision and upgrade of facilities including handrails, swim shelters, access ladders, safety notice boards, shower facilities, and beach wheelchairs. Provision has been made to continue this funding scheme in 2026.
Sports Funding
Questions (48)
Michael Cahill
Question:48. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport to increase the Sports Capital funding to clubs across County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33221/26]
View answerWritten 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 finalised 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.
Sports Funding
Questions (49)
Mark Ward
Question:49. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the sports capital grants available to sports clubs that do not own or have ability to purchase land or are in a long-term lease; if schemes will be considered for these clubs to help them become established; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32982/26]
View answerWritten answers
The Programme for Government commits to supporting local authorities in the acquisition of new lands for parks and playing pitches to help build liveable communities.
While neither of my Department's sports capital funding programmes - the Community Sport Facilities Fund (CSFF) and the Large-Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF) - provide for the acquisition of land I would be supportive of local authority acquisition of lands for sport and recreation purposes. I intend to engage with the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage in due course on the Programme for Government commitment. Once lands are acquired for sporting purposes, applications for capital investment (including equipment) on those lands can be supported via both the CSFF and the LSSIF.
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. 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 aiming to announce the opening of applications in the first half of this year.
In terms of LSSIF, my current focus is on ensuring project delivery under the first two rounds of and this process will inform any decisions regarding the timing of a future round.
Sport and Recreational Development
Questions (50)
John Connolly
Question:50. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport given the Government’s commitment to promote the uptake of sport and physical activity by all citizens, if he will undertake a review of the available outdoor recreational spaces in urban areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33412/26]
View answerWritten answers
The 2024 Irish Sports Monitor indicated that participation levels in sport had reached the highest level ever recorded, with 49% of the population taking part on a weekly basis. The rise in active sports participation rates means that we remain on track to achieve the 50% target set out in the National Sports Policy 2018-2027 (NSP).
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 participate in sport.
The need to catalogue sports facilities, both indoor and outdoor, to address shortages in areas that are currently underserved was first raised in the NSP which recognised the importance of having an up-to-date database of sports facilities as the basis for a more long-term planned approach to facility investment for all stakeholders.
To facilitate this, the Get Ireland Active database was developed by Sport Ireland in 2023 and represents the first phase of a comprehensive national database of sports facilities.
It can be accessed online on by downloading a mobile application and consists of more than 15,000 opportunities to be active across the country, including sports and recreation facilities, public places such as playgrounds and trails for walking, running and biking.
Get Ireland Active is currently undergoing further development and, once complete, Sport Ireland intends to launch a promotional campaign to raise awareness of the benefits that it can offer.
More generally, the provision and identification of recreational areas and spaces is a key function of local government as part of the development planning process. Under the Planning and Development Act 2024 local authorities are obliged to consult with Sport Ireland when developing their plans.
As Minister for Sport, I will continue to promote sport to all cohorts and work to remove any barrier to their participation.