Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 2 October 2025
29. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport to provide an update on the work being done to assess the project delivery under the first two rounds of the LSSIF 2018 and 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52398/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Sports Policy, which was published in 2018, provided for the establishment of a Large-Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF). The aim of the fund is to provide an open and transparent system for applying for grant assistance where the amount sought is greater than that available under the CSFF.
The evaluation procedures and guidelines for the LSSIF provide that, once provisional allocations are announced, the successful projects will undergo a further process of due diligence. This process includes a further review of projects including economic appraisals and feasibility studies as appropriate to comply with Infrastructure Guidelines as set out by the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform.
With regard to LSSIF 2018, a number of projects have satisfactorily completed the assessment process and have reached the point whereby funding agreements are being finalised. In addition, a number of facilities have been opened to the public, such as the Linear Walkway and Playing Fields Project in Meath, Phase 1 of the Walsh Park redevelopment in Waterford, the Regional Athletics Hub in Limerick, Dundalk Leisure Centre Facilities Refurbishment project, MTU Athletics Track in Cork, Kildare GAA's St Conleth’s Park in Newbridge and the Charlesland Athletics Track in Wicklow. Furthermore, Munster Rugby's Centre of Excellence in Cork, the Sportsground redevelopment for Connacht Rugby, and Askeaton Pool & Leisure Centre are all due to open shortly.
The projects allocated funding from the 2024 round of LSSIF are currently making their way through the Infrastructure Gateways as set out by the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform. My officials are regularly engaging with the key stakeholders to actively progress these projects. While the timescale for the delivery of the project is ultimately a matter for the applicants, I am very keen to see as many LSSIF projects as possible progressing quickly.
