Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 March 2026
542. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if his Department has reviewed the funding uptake in both rounds of the LSSIF in light of Covid restrictions and subsequent building inflation difficulties for applicants; and to provide a county-by-county breakdown of funds drawn down compared to funds awarded for both rounds, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16449/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe cumulative investment from the Large-Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund since 2020 is €297 million with €124 million allocated under the 2018 round and a further €173 million in November 2024.
In recognition of challenges faced by projects allocated funding under the first round of the Fund, including construction inflation, additional funding was allocated to many of these projects in 2023. Details of relevant allocations and payments are available on my Department's website at www.gov.ie/en/department-of-culture-communications-and-sport/campaigns/large-scale-sport-infrastructure-fund-lssif/
A review of the Large-Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF) was published in April 2024. The review outlined the issues faced by LSSIF projects and provided recommendations in relation to a new round of LSSIF. The review is available of my Department’s website at, www.gov.ie/en/department-of-culture-communications-and-sport/services/large-scale-sport-infrastructure-fund-lssif-2018/#lssif-review-and-similar-access-requirement
With regard to the 2024 round of LSSIF, applicants were encouraged to assume a minimum 10% contingency for all projects. In addition, applicants were asked to account for construction inflation and use tender prices from the Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland Tender Price Index for inflation for the year of application and 7% for all years thereafter.
My officials continue to work closely with LSSIF grantees, and I am pleased to confirm that LSSIF projects are progressing at pace with a number of substantial projects such as Dexcom Stadium, Munster Centre of Excellence, Newcastlewest Athletics Hub, St Conleth’s GAA and Askeaton Swimming Pool now complete. A number of other LSSIF projects such as the RDS are due to be completed this year or to be significantly advanced.
