Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 July 2025
1370. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if, as part of the new National Development Plan, consideration is being given to introducing a mid-scale infrastructure sports capital infrastructure fund to support sports clubs across the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43393/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department operates two capital funding programmes for sport, namely the Community Sports 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 from the 2023 round of the CSFF, representing the largest-ever investment in sports facilities in communities across Ireland. In 2024, the second round of LSSIF received an unprecedented demand for funding. On 4 November 2024, grants totalling €173 million were awarded to 35 projects. A review of the latest rounds of both CSFF and LSSIF programmes will be undertaken and that will inform the timing and approach of future rounds.
The National Development Plan is Ireland's long-term strategic investment plan, outlining how the government will invest in the country's infrastructure and development. This investment ensures sustained investment in sports facilities to meet our ambitious goals for sports participation nationwide. 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 including people with disabilities and older people.
The Government recently published the National Development Plan, setting out total investment of €246.4 billion over the period 2026 - 2035 with sectoral capital allocations of €102.4 billion for 2026 to 2030 and a further €100 billion for 20230 to 2035. My Department is currently reviewing the allocations made to it and the quantum of funding available to sport will also inform future rounds of both capital funding programmes.
