Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 December 2025
258. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if his Department will consider a dedicated scheme to support water-based recreation infrastructure at lakes in Longford and Westmeath. [72654/25]
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 Department does not routinely operate narrowly focused schemes such as that referred to by the Deputy.
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 benefitting over forty sports, as well as multi-sport facilities, throughout the country. This represents the largest-ever investment in sports facilities in communities across Ireland. 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.
In 2024, the second round of LSSIF received an unprecedented demand for funding. On 4 November 2024, grants totaling €173 million were awarded to 35 projects. In assessing applications under the 2024 round of LSSIF, consideration was given to factors such as socio-economic disadvantage and population growth in the relevant areas. The cumulative investment under the LSSIF since 2020 is now €297 million across 68 projects.
My current focus is on ensuring project delivery under the first two rounds of the LSSIF 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.
