Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 November 2025
482. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the amount of funding allocated to the sport of association football (soccer) through capital or equipment grants from all Department funding streams for each of the years 2020 to 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [65739/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department operates two capital funding programmes for sport, namely the Community Sport Facilities Fund (CSFF) and the Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF).
The most recent two rounds of the CSFF were in 2020 and 2023. 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 the 2023 CSFF round, €50,513,475 was allocated to 536 soccer projects. Under the 2020 CSFF round €166,653,673 was allocated to 2,878 projects, €25,140,589 of which was allocated to 469 soccer projects. In addition,€77,924,273 was allocated to 849 multisport projects under both rounds many of which will benefit soccer.
In line with previous rounds of the Fund, a review of the current funding round is being undertaken. I have asked my Department to prepare for a further round of the CSFF in 2026.
There have been two rounds of the LSSIF in 2018 and 2024. Of the total €297 million allocated under the LSSIF to date, €58,529,774 was awarded to soccer projects that are either directly sponsored by the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) or projects that incorporate soccer elements. 6 projects under the first round of the LSSIF were allocated €11,779,774 in funding which includes two FAI-backed projects, Finn Harps and the Munster Centre of Excellence in Glanmire. Under LSSIF 2024, €46,750,000 was awarded to a further 6 soccer projects, which includes Dalymount Park and Sligo Rovers Stadium.
I have referred the Deputy's question to Sport Ireland for direct reply in relation to any grants it may have allocated to soccer through capital or equipment grants for each of the years 2020 to 2025. I would ask the Deputy to inform my office if a reply is not received within 10 days.
