Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 20 November 2025
33. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport that funding will be made available in 2026 to enhance and develop community sports, arts, and cultural facilities in rural towns and villages across Cork northwest, particularly where existing amenities, such as community halls and playing fields, need upgrading; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63982/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs announced as part of Budget 2026, my Department is in the process of examining a further capital scheme of funding for arts and culture organisations across the country, in line with the commitment in the Programme for Government.
My Department is in the process of designing the specifications of the scheme, including the setting of eligibility criteria.
With regard to Sport, my Department operates two capital funding programmes, namely the Community Sports Facilities Fund (CSFF) and the Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF). Sporting organisations from across the country can apply directly for the CSFF, however they must make their application for the LSSIF through either a National Governing Body or Local Authority.
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. Of this, over €29m was allocated to 344 sporting projects in Cork, while almost €54m has been allocated to 830 sporting projects in Cork over the last 3 rounds. Details of all allocation made to clubs are available on the Department's website at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-culture-communications-and-sport/collections/sports-capital-programme-allocations/
I expect that a further round of the CSFF will open for applications in the first half of 2026. It is anticipated that the next round of the CSFF will particularly target areas and sports that have been under invested in over the years.
Regarding the LSSIF, 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.
