Written Answers Nos. 59-91
59. Deputy Tony McCormack asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the measures being taken to tackle illegal dumping and fly-tipping in rural communities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44289/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Waste Management Act, the primary responsibility for management and enforcement responses to illegal dumping lies with the local authorities. It is a matter for each local authority to determine the most appropriate awareness, enforcement, clean-up and disposal actions in relation to illegal dumping, taking account of their own local circumstances and priorities.
However, the Department continues to provide significant support to the local authority sector in their efforts to deal with incidences of illegal dumping. €23 million has been provided to local authorities under the Anti-Dumping Initiative (ADI) since it was launched in 2017, including €2.89 million in 2025, to encourage a collaborative approach between local authorities, community groups and other State Agencies to tackling the problem.
Funding provided under the ADI can be utilised by local authorities to organise clean-ups, purchase CCTV and other mobile recording equipment and put in place effective enforcement measures. A further €3 million has been allocated to local authorities under the ADI in 2026. It is a matter for each local authority to apply for this funding through the Waste Enforcement Regional Lead Authorities, who administer the scheme on behalf of the Department.
The Department also continues to invest heavily in the local authority waste enforcement network through the Local Authority Waste Enforcement Measures Grant Scheme. Since this scheme was established in 2003, almost €160 million has been provided to local authorities by the Department in order to support the ongoing recruitment and retention of a network of waste enforcement staff across the country. A further €7.7 million has been allocated to local authorities under this scheme in 2026.
60. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the position regarding any further initiatives proposed by his Department to increase the support for offshore wind infrastructure in coastal communities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43425/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraGovernment is committed to increasing the support for offshore wind infrastructure in coastal communities. This is done in ongoing consultation with all stakeholders in the development of offshore wind. This includes our local coastal communities themselves as well as our valued fishing sector, which my Department recognises as critically important to the enduring success of the offshore wind industry.
In September 2025, Minister of State Dooley and I announced the publication of the proposal, and accompanying Public Participation Statement, for the National DMAP for Offshore Renewable Energy. The proposal outlines the Government’s commitment to extensive and inclusive consultation with the public and stakeholders throughout the entire process. In recognition of the importance of coastal communities in the National DMAP process, a dedicated Community Liaison Service has been contracted with the sole focus of working with and providing information directly to coastal communities.
Furthermore, all offshore wind generators developing projects under the Offshore Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (ORESS) are required to make contributions to their respective project's Community Benefit Fund. The Community Benefit Fund will be professionally managed on behalf of the local community and a local Community Benefit Fund Committee will have full responsibility for its funding decisions.
Given the anticipated high levels of offshore generation, the amounts involved will be substantial and transformative for communities.
Separately, in December 2025, I announced that a consortium of ESB and Orsted had won Ireland's second offshore wind auction. They will be developing a 900-megawatt project off the coast of Waterford. The Tonn Nua fund established will now see communities benefit from €140 million over a 20-year period. The €7 million a year fund will support the sustainable environmental, economic, social, and cultural well-being of the local community, with grants to local clubs and other community groups and projects.
My Department is committed to ongoing engagement with our coastal communities and the fishing sector, under Ireland's plan-led approach to ORE development. The Seafood / ORE Working Group provides a forum to facilitate constructive engagement on the interaction of the seafood and ORE industries.
61. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the plans he has or is making to phase out fossil fuels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44550/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 'Energy Security in Ireland to 2030' strategy set out a clear vision to move away from reliance on imported fossil fuels to an electricity-led energy system. The recent global energy shocks have made clear the need to implement this vision to ensure the security of our energy system. Delivery of our ambitious renewable and electrification targets set out in the Climate Action Plan will be key in this regard.
The Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) is Ireland's flagship scheme to support the deployment of new renewable generation projects. The five RESS auctions held to date have been instrumental in providing a supportive policy and investment environment for renewables in Ireland, enhancing Ireland’s energy security and the diversity of our electricity supply. Ireland currently has over 8 GW of renewable electricity generation capacity connected to the network, with approximately 5 GW of new renewable electricity generation capacity added in just ten years, including doubling our wind capacity and establishing solar energy as a major pillar of our energy supply. The next auction, RESS 6, is scheduled to take place in the second half of this year.
Regional Renewable Electricity Capacity Allocations for onshore wind and solar were included in the First Revision of the National Planning Framework, published in April 2025. The inclusion of these allocations is a critical step towards achieving Ireland’s national renewable electricity targets and will support a plan-led approach to the strategic planning of renewable technologies.
On the electricity grid, increasing amounts of batteries, long duration storage, interconnector capacity and demand side response have also been procured in recent capacity market auctions which will lessen Ireland's dependence on fossil fuel imports in the coming years.
The variable nature of some renewable technologies currently requires dispatchable gas generation to ensure security of supply. The Government has set a target of 5.7 TWh of indigenous biomethane by 2030, reducing reliance on gas imported from the UK. The Biomethane Implementation Group has been established to oversee implementation of the National Biomethane Strategy and delivery of the 25 key strategic actions to ensure the necessary infrastructure and supports are in place to support development of an indigenous biomethane industry of scale.
In the medium-term, renewable hydrogen is anticipated to play a key role in our future energy system. The SEAI’s Decarbonised Electricity System Study, which is due to be published by the end of the year, will be a significant step in defining the role that renewable hydrogen should play in our power system.
71. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport to provide an update in relation to the efforts being made to curb harmful social media content in the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44456/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraCoimisiún na Meán is the lead regulator for Ireland's online safety framework, including the supervision of Ireland’s Online Safety Code, which came into full effect in July 2025.
That Code obliges designated video-sharing platform services to take measures to limit the spread of harmful content and to deploy age assurance measures to ensure that minors under 18 do not have access to adult-only material such as pornography. To help support compliance with that age restriction, the Department is working with the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer to include an age verification tool within Ireland’s Digital Wallet. This will provide platforms with an option to fulfil their age assurance obligations while protecting the privacy of users.
Minister O'Donovan has made online safety for minors a priority for Ireland's upcoming EU Presidency. In line with our national digital policy, he is working with other EU Member States to get agreement on an EU wide approach to the digital age of majority, in other words, the age at which young people can sign up to social media.
We also expect proposals for new EU legislation to protect minors to be published during our term, arising from the evaluation of the Audiovisual Media Services Directive and the forthcoming recommendations of the Special Panel on children’s safety online. Ireland will therefore lead the negotiations of these important legislative files.
In September, Minister O'Donovan will host a high-level Presidency conference on online safety, bringing together policymakers, academics, non-governmental organisations, and young people themselves. Last week, the Minister hosted a Youth Forum to consult young people ranging from 10 through to 17 years old as he is determined that their voice will be heard in these discussions. The outcome of that Forum will further inform deliberations at the Conference and Ireland's leadership on this topic during our EU Presidency.
74. Deputy Joe Neville asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if his Department is addressing the challenges facing local radio given increasing costs in broadcast levies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44556/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraLocal radio stations play a vital role in providing valuable public service content to the Irish public, contributing to a diversity and a plurality of voices in the media sector. Minister O'Donovan is acutely aware of the challenges facing our local and regional radio stations in the current climate and in an increasingly competitive market.
So far in 2026, €4.3m has been awarded to support the commercial radio sector, at a local and regional and national level, through the suite of funding schemes supporting the wider media sector.
This includes €3m in ring-fenced funding for the commercial radio sector, which was awarded by Coimisiún na Meán through the News Reporting Scheme. Round 2 of the News Reporting Scheme opened for applications in April, with funding awards expected to be announced later this year.
Coimisiún na Meán's levy funding model operates in accordance with a long-standing tradition that the costs of regulation are met by regulated sectors themselves. The Broadcasting Act (as amended) provides that it is Coimisiún na Meán and not Government that sets the levy to meet these costs.
While the Minister is not in a position to intervene on the matter of the broadcasting levy, he met with An Coimisiún to seek clarity regarding its approach to implementing its statutory responsibilities with respect to the levy and to express a need for them to more clearly communicate such matters to their stakeholders and to the public.
The Department continues to engage with both Coimisiún na Meán and Independent Broadcasters of Ireland on the challenges facing both local radio and the wider commercial radio sector.
76. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the government supports for clubs in a league (details supplied); to outline how they can access this funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44464/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government’s current funding support for the development of football is channelled, via Sport Ireland, to the Football Association of Ireland, the FAI.
The State has allocated approximately €80 million in current funding to the FAI between 2019 and 2025 to support football development and grow participation. The bulk of this funding goes towards the FAI’s Youth Field Sports grants, which are aimed at encouraging and creating more opportunities for young people to participate in football through coaching and games development supports at local level. Football clubs are advised to contact the FAI directly to ascertain what supports are available in this regard.
The development of the new FAI National League will establish a clear and structured pathway for local talent to progress to the elite levels of Irish football.
My Department also operates two capital funding programmes for sport, namely the Community Sport Facilities Fund (CSFF) and the Large-Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF). Since 2015, approximately €192 million has been allocated to football projects under the two programmes, to support the development of grassroots soccer facilities nationwide. Just over €96 million of this was allocated under LSSIF and almost €96 million was allocated to over 1,500 football projects under the CSFF.
The CSFF is the primary means of providing Government funding to sport and community organisations at local, regional and national level throughout the country. I have asked my Department to prepare for a further round of the CSFF in 2026 which I expect to open soon. I encourage all football clubs to prepare for this next round and to ensure applications are fully aligned with the goals and guidelines of the scheme.
The Government is committed to supporting the development of Ireland’s sporting ecosystem and the support that continues to be provided for football is a clear illustration of that commitment in action.
I am confident that the measures being implemented by the FAI and other stakeholders will leave a lasting impact on the growth of the game nationwide.
77. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport to urgently address the mobile phone blackspots across County Kerry. [44571/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraWhile the Department has no role in developing county or locality-specific strategies for mobile coverage improvements, the Department’s Digital Connectivity Strategy published in 2022 sets ambitious targets for fixed and mobile connectivity. This Strategy is currently being updated.
In the liberalised and competitive Irish mobile telecoms market, network coverage is the responsibility of network operators, who operate on a commercial basis, regulated by the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg). These operators consistently prioritise improving their networks’ coverage.
However, mobile service quality is not uniform in all areas as it must overcome varying challenges such as different geographical terrains, varying physical and natural obstructions as well as different user demands.
In 2023, ComReg completed a Multi-band Spectrum Award to assign long term rights of use in four spectrum bands, this represented a 46% increase in the harmonised spectrum. ComReg confirms that call blocks, call drops, and network availability, on mobile networks, remain stable even with increasing traffic volumes. ComReg are satisfied that mobile network operators are meeting their licence requirements over the whole network. It is expected that ComReg will conduct an assessment of operators’ compliance with their 3-year obligations under the MBSA2 licence this year.
ComReg updates its online national outdoor mobile coverage map at coveragemap.comreg.ie. This helps customers select the best service for them. Where customers experience poor coverage, they should contact the customer care team of their mobile phone operator to make a complaint. The complaint can then be escalated to ComReg if not resolved to the consumer's satisfaction within 10 days.
80. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport his views on creating a minimum standard of customer service that all broadband and phone providers have to adhere to; if this is under review within his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43423/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe provision of electronic communication services, such as mobile phone and broadband services, is a matter for telecommunications operators operating in a liberalised market regulated by the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg).
ComReg can escalate complaints made by consumers, including vulnerable consumers, older people and people with disabilities, to ensure that companies are delivering services in line with their licence obligations.
ComReg has advised me that the Communications Regulation and Digital Hub Development Agency (Amendment) Act 2023 empowered it to introduce measures to protect end-users of Internet Access Services and publicly available Interpersonal Communications Services. Two key tools provided by the Act are Minimum Quality of Service Standards and a Customer Charter.
In terms of Quality of Service, Comreg may specify minimum standards which must be met by providers including available customer service channels, response times, time taken to revert to a customer if an issue is not resolved on first contact, and complaint escalation.
Retail Service Providers are required to measure their performance against any commitments set out in their Charter and report on that performance to ComReg. ComReg considers this to be central to the effectiveness of the Charter, as it ensures that providers monitor their own performance and can adjust and update their Charters where necessary.
The monitoring and reporting of performance allows customers to have confidence in the commitments made by providers. It also helps ensure that Retail Service Providers are accountable for the customer service standards they offer and for delivering on those commitments.
ComReg will continue to monitor the Charters published by Retail Service Providers and assess their actual performance against any commitments they make regarding customer service levels.
Consumers who are dissatisfied with the service or information provided by their retail broadband or phone provider may refer their complaint to ComReg.
81. Deputy Peter Roche asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the engagement his Department has had with an organisation following a report (details supplied); the measures which are being taken to support clubs in rural areas experiencing population decline and challenges in sustaining participation, as well as clubs in rapidly growing urban areas where demand for playing facilities is exceeding existing capacity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44537/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI recently met with the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) to discuss this report, published in December 2025, by its National Demographics Committee.
The demographic shifts in Ireland have direct impacts, positive and negative, on participation numbers in GAA clubs, both urban and rural. This demographic impact is an issue for other sports and for wider planning and infrastructure considerations.
A positive recent development in terms of factoring sport into long-term spatial and strategic planning is the inclusion, in regulations made under the Planning and Development Act 2024, of Sport Ireland as a statutory consultee when local authorities are reviewing their county development plans.
In this context, I understand that the Office of the Planning Regulator is liaising with Sport Ireland and some other sporting bodies to examine how local authorities can more effectively plan for the provision of sports and recreational facilities within communities.
In terms of the ongoing development of sports infrastructure, my Department operates two capital funding programmes for sport, namely the Community Sport Facilities Fund (CSFF) and the Large-Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund .
CSFF provides grants to assist in the development or refurbishment of sports facilities and the provision of sports equipment. Since 2015, over €600 million has been allocated under the CSFF and, of this, over €241 million (almost 40%) was allocated to the GAA, Ladies Gaelic Football, Camogie and Handball.
In identifying projects under the LSSIF, applicants were asked to consider key factors such as demographic changes, in particular population growth and how they will influence the need for investment in additional facilities within the area and surrounding region. Almost €60 million has been allocated to GAA-backed projects in the two LSSIF funding rounds to date.
82. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if An Post, in the past twelve months, has sought approval from him to dispose of any land, buildings or other material assets owned by An Post; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44552/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn accordance with section 8.22 of the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies, all State bodies are required to seek the approval of the relevant Minister and the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Sector Reform and Digitalisation in advance of any material acquisition or disposal of land, buildings or other material assets proposed by a State body. My officials engage with An Post in relation to various consent requests and An Post is aware of the requirement for compliance with the Code of Practice. No formal request for consent of a material asset has been received in the last 12 months.
It should be noted that An Post is a commercial State body with a mandate to act commercially and has statutory responsibility for the State’s postal service and the post office network.
The Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation holds one ordinary share in the company and the remainder of the issued share capital is held by the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport. In that regard, An Post is an aegis body of the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport, which has responsibility for overseeing compliance with the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies. An Post’s Board and Management are responsible for overseeing day to day operational matters and for the delivery on the Company’s commercial mandate in accordance with Government and legislative objectives.
83. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport to outline his most recent engagements with an organisation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43469/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraOver recent months, I have had a number of engagements with the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) in relation to a range of matters, including governance reform in the context of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Government and the FAI, the development of football academies to which multi-annunal funding of €3 million has been committed, the recoupable grant from Government to the FAI towards the Aviva Stadium licence fee, the FAI’s new Strategy 2026-2029, Ireland’s co-hosting of EURO 2028 and a potential bid by the FAI to host UEFA’s Women’s Champions League Final in 2029.
The most recent formal in-person meeting I had with the FAI was on 25 February last, during which the FAI briefed Minister O’ Donovan and I on its decision to fulfil its Nations League fixtures against Israel in September and October and on its response to the use of pyrotechnics at the Drogheda versus Dundalk match at Oriel Park on 20 February.
I commend the FAI disciplinary process that imposed significant sanctions arising out of the damage to the Oriel Park pitch. The FAI’s proposals for enhanced future security measures to guard against incidents like this are also very welcome.
With regard to Ireland’s upcoming Nations League fixtures against Israel, the FAI has stated that it intends to fulfil both fixtures in accordance with its obligations as a member of UEFA. Where such fixtures take place is ultimately a matter for the FAI and UEFA.
As Minister with responsibility for Sport, I have no role in how National Governing Bodies for sport organise their sports or in their day-to-day operational functions. As an independent and autonomous body, the FAI is completely within its rights to fulfil its international fixtures, and the Government acknowledges its right to do so.
84. Deputy Keira Keogh asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the level of funding allocated by his Department to arts organisations and cultural venues in Mayo over the past three years, by amount given and group/organisation, in tabular form; the further supports planned for rural arts development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44113/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere has been significant investment by my Department in arts and culture across the country, including Mayo, in recent years.
Since 2024, €46,000 was allocated in capital funding to the Linenhall Arts Centre and Westport Town Hall under the Cultural Capital Scheme. €27,000 was allocated to Mayo County Council for the Jackie Clarke Collection, to Knock Bookshop Publications and Museum and to the Ballinglen Arts Foundation under the Regional Museum Exhibition Scheme.
Other capital funding in recent years includes €1.7m to Mayo County Council for the Mary Robinson Centre and €250,000 for the regeneration of the former military barracks in Ballina under the Outdoor Public Spaces Scheme.
There has also been significant current funding allocated by my Department to arts organisations and cultural venues in Mayo, specifically €29,215 under the Small-Scale Local Festivals and Summer Schools Fund and a €604,280 allocation by Creative Communities to Mayo County Council, which includes Cruinniú na nÓg and Health & Wellbeing funding. Under the After Hours at the Museum’ Scheme the Michael Davitt museum and Ballinglen Museum of Art received €30,000.
In line with the commitment in the Programme for Government, my Department was allocated €6m in Budget 2026 for a new programme of capital funding for arts and culture organisations across the country, which will see much needed capital supports for these organisations, along with supporting community and voluntary groups in increasing the participation in arts and culture. Subject to the appropriate sanctions being received from the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation it is hoped this scheme will be launched in the coming weeks.
Capital funding allocated by the Department to arts organisations and cultural venues in Mayo over the past three years (2023-2026)
|
Organisation / project |
Scheme |
Year allocated |
Grant allocated € |
|
Linenhall Arts Centre CLG |
Cultural Capital Scheme (Stream E) |
2026 |
€21,240 |
|
Mayo County Council re Jackie Clarke Collection |
Regional Museum Exhibition Scheme |
2025 |
€15,000 |
|
Knock Bookshop Publications & Museum |
Regional Museum Exhibition Scheme |
2025 |
€3,043 |
|
Westport Town Hall CLG |
Cultural Capital Scheme (Stream E) |
2024 |
€25,380 |
|
Ballinglen Arts Foundation Ltd |
Regional Museum Exhibition Scheme |
2024 |
€9,451 |
Capital funding was allocated to arts organisations and cultural venues in Mayo in earlier years, but the grant was drawn down in recent years. These include:
|
Organisation / project |
Scheme / Project |
Year allocated |
Year funding drawn down |
Grant amount € |
|
Mayo County Council for regeneration of former military barracks in Ballina (€250,000 grant) |
Outdoor Public Space Scheme 2021 |
2022 |
2025 2024 2023 |
€8,632 €25,000 €216,368 |
|
Custom House Studios |
Cultural Capital Scheme 2019-2022 (Stream A) |
2022 |
2023 |
€3,365 |
|
Linenhall Arts Centre CLG |
Cultural Capital Scheme 2019-2022 (Stream B) |
2021 |
2023 |
€28,876 |
|
Mayo County Council re Mary Robinson Centre (€2 million grant) |
Other Capital Project |
2016 |
2021 2022 |
€1,051,327 €685,972 |
Current funding allocated by my Department to arts organisations and cultural venues in Mayo over the past three years (2023-2026)
|
Organisation / project |
Scheme |
Year allocated |
Grant allocated € |
|
Áras Inis Gluaire - Ionad Ealaíona Iorras Teo |
Small Scale Local Festivals and Summer Schools Fund 2025 |
2025 |
€4,915 |
|
Circus250 Productions |
Small Scale Local Festivals and Summer Schools Fund 2025 |
2025 |
€4,880 |
|
Ballina Fringe Festival |
Small Scale Local Festivals and Summer Schools Fund 2024 |
2024 |
€5,000 |
|
CultureKids (t/a Circus250) |
Small Scale Local Festivals and Summer Schools Fund 2024 |
2024 |
€4,920 |
|
Ballina Fringe Festival |
Small Scale Local Festivals and Summer Schools Fund 2023 |
2023 |
€5,000 |
|
CultureKids (t/a Circus250) |
Small Scale Local Festivals and Summer Schools Fund 2023 |
2023 |
€4,500 |
|
Michael Davitt Museum |
After Hours at the Museum Scheme |
2023 |
€8,752 |
|
Ballinglen Museum of Art |
After Hours at the Museum Scheme |
2023 |
€21,285 |
Creative Communities allocated current funding to Mayo County Council from 2023 – 2026 which includes Cruinniú na nÓg and Health & Wellbeing funding
|
Year |
Amount € |
|
2026 |
€153,548 |
|
2025 |
€206,189 |
|
2024 |
€219,743 |
|
2023 |
€178,348 |
|
Total |
€757,828 |
85. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the way in which grassroots clubs that do not own their own land or are in a long-term lease can access sports capital grants to become established; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44463/26]
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). Sporting organisations can apply directly for CSFF funding while applications to the LSSIF must be made through either a National Governing Body Sport (NGB) or a Local Authority.
Capital grant limits under the CSFF are based on the security of tenure held by the applicant. Under the most recent 2024 CSFF round, funding of up to €200,000 was available to organisations that either owned the relevant land or held a lease registered with Tailte Éireann with at least 15 years remaining. For organisations without a registered chargeable title, capital funding was restricted to a maximum of €70,000.
The CSFF provides that, if the land owner is entitled to apply for CSFF funding in its own right then the landlord must make the application on behalf of the sports user.
The Department is currently collating feedback from sporting clubs and organisations which provides valuable input to our ongoing preparations for the next round of the CSFF. New guidelines will be published in advance of the opening of the next round which will include inter alia, land ownership and lease requirements.
The availability and ease of access to sports facilities, whether in a club setting, on public lands or in other amenity areas, is a key factor in drawing more people to participation in sport. This is a key factor in our ongoing review of the guidelines for a new CSFF round. Planning for future facilities’ needs, locations and types is a particular focus of our current Sports Action Plan.
86. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if he will develop and publish a long-term, cross-sectoral strategy to address gender inequality across the cultural, communications and sporting sectors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43694/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department’s Statement of Strategy sets out in detail the strategies and actions that will be employed to deliver on the Department’s high-level goals, together with the outcomes that will be achieved through them.
In addition to these, a number of cross cutting-goals have been incorporated into the Department’s objectives which will be reflected in my Department's policies and programmes over the lifetime of the Statement of Strategy. This includes supporting and promoting diversity, social inclusion and full and effective female participation across the Department’s sectors and society in line with Programme for Government commitments.
My Department has also been consulted by the Department of Children, Disability and Equality on the new National Strategy for Women & Girls 2025-2030, launched in November 2025 which takes a whole of Government approach to Gender Equality with relevant actions across all Departments.
The Department has committed to support gender equality and also committed to supports for the protection of women and girls. The main commitments in the National Strategy for Women and Girls for my Department are as follows:
• The introduction of measures to remove the imbalance of visibility between men and women in the Arts and Media Sectors, such as women’s visibility in mainstream media and with a genuine variety of roles for women, which is an important marker of gender equality;
• The introduction of measures to prevent the harassment of women and girls in public spaces and online and to identify and address its causes;
• The introduction of measures to improve women and girls participation in Sport, which is important for health and wellbeing outcomes.
Complementary national policy frameworks that will help achieve these objectives under my Department’s remit also include:
• Coimisiún na Meán’s 'Gender, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy for the Audio and Audiovisual Media Sector 2024-2027', and
• Sport Ireland’s ‘Women in Sport Policy’.
87. Deputy Joanna Byrne asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the level of funding earmarked for the development of grassroots football academies and player development; if he will commit to fully funding the budget request this year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43447/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs part of Budget 2026, I was pleased to announce first year funding of €3 million as part of a multi-annual allocation to support the development of a modern and professional soccer academy system to maximise the potential of Irish football. This is on foot of the Programme for Government commitment to exploring new mechanisms for the creation of football academies.
This investment builds on the additional funding of €1 million provided by my department to the FAI in 2024 which enabled it to produce its League of Ireland Global Findings Report on developing football academies in Ireland, including an audit of existing academy structures and needs. That funding also enabled the appointment by the FAI of an Academies Administrator to support the development of new academy programmes and to track their impact.
Specific details regarding how the €3 million investment will be channelled will be set out in due course following engagement between the FAI and Sport Ireland, the development agency for Irish sport. That engagement is ongoing and I have met with Sport Ireland and the FAI on this matter. I note and commend a recent series of appointments of Academy Directors in League of Ireland clubs that are supported by this investment.
Sport Ireland is continuing to provide guidance and support to the FAI to establish suitable structures and mechanisms to oversee the distribution of funding and supports to clubs, including the need for clubs to sign a funding agreement with the FAI. I expect that the FAI will begin to draw down funding for academies in the coming period.
The Government is committed to supporting the development of Ireland’s sporting ecosystem support for football academies is a key example of that commitment in action.
88. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport to provide an update in relation to the provision of funding for the next round of the LSIF; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44455/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Large-Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF) was established under the National Sports Policy to provide Exchequer support for larger sports facility projects, typically those requiring investments greater than the maximum available under the Community Sport Facilities Fund (CSFF). The cumulative investment since 2020 is €297 million across 68 projects.
While the LSSIF is closed to applications at present, my current focus is on ensuring project delivery under the first two rounds of the LSSIF. This process will inform any decisions regarding the timing of a future round, but I am committed to ensuring sustained investment in sports facilities to meet our ambitious goals for sports participation nationwide.
The LSSIF focuses on larger initiatives, particularly those related to high-performance sport, major spectator venues, and community-accessible facilities. The key aims of the LSSIF are to increase active participation in sport and the quality of that participation; increase the quantum and quality of social participation in sport; improve high performance in sport; increase active participation by those with a disability and provide similar access to facilities to all.
LSSIF is aimed primarily at National Governing Bodies (NGBs) and local authorities. Other bodies can also benefit, but applications have to be made and prioritised by a local authority and/or a NGB. The full marking schemes, guidelines and assessment processes for LSSIF 2018 and 2024 are published on my Department’s website. I would encourage any prospective applicants to review these documents in preparation for a future LSSIF round, while noting that guidelines and conditions for a future round may differ from those previously published.
89. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport whether the application process under the Community Sports Facilities Fund (CSFF) will be simplified; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44613/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra91. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the expected timeline for the opening of the next Community Sports Facilities Fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44522/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra97. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport when the Community Sports Facilities Fund (CSFF) will become open for applications; whether the cap on local grants will be increased from €200,000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44612/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra98. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport to provide an update on when he expects the latest round of Community Sport Facilities Fund (CSFF) and the Large-Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF) to open for applications. [44495/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra99. Deputy Tony McCormack asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport when the next round of the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme will open for applications; the level of funding that will be made available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44286/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra109. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if he will consider increasing the level of grant aid in the next Community Sports Facilities Fund taking into account the substantial increase in construction costs since the last round of grants were approved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44523/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra110. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport when he expects to open up the Community Sport Facilities Fund for new applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44457/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra112. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport for an update on the forthcoming round of the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme, including the anticipated budget allocation; the administrative resources within his Department dedicated to the scheme; the types of projects he intends to prioritise under the next round of funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44337/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 89, 91, 97, 98, 99, 109, 110 and 112 together.
The Programme for Government commits to continuing the Community Sport Facilities Fund, the CSFF, and to directing its funding to disadvantaged areas and groups that are currently under-represented in terms of participation.
My Department’s Statement of Strategy 2025-2028 commits to continuing to invest in sports infrastructure at a local, regional and national level through the CSFF and the Large-Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund. These funds will be critical to advancing delivery of high-quality sport facilities and equipment over the lifetime of the Strategy.
Infrastructure is key to sporting participation and success, and we will continue to invest in sports infrastructure at local, regional and national levels through the CSFF. These funds will be critical to advancing delivery of high-quality, accessible and sustainable sport facilities and equipment which will ensure the development of a sporting ecosystem that enables more people - including people with disabilities, older people and people from disadvantaged communities - to participate and benefit from sport at all levels.
The CSFF is the primary means of providing Government funding to sport and community organisations at local, regional and national levels throughout the country. The fund aims to foster an integrated and planned approach to the development of sports and physical recreation facilities and assists the purchase of non-personal sports equipment.
The CSFF, previously known as the Sports Capital and Equipment programme, has operated on an annual basis from 1998 up to, and including, 2008. It subsequently resumed in 2012 with rounds in 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2020 and 2023. I am committed to opening a new CSFF round this summer.
More than 19,000 projects have benefited from CSFF funding since 1998, bringing the total allocations in that time to approximately €1.43 billion. The fund has transformed the sporting landscape of Ireland with improvements in the quality and quantity of sporting facilities in virtually every village, town and city. The facilities that have been funded range from the smallest clubs to national centres of sporting excellence.
In line with previous rounds of the CSFF, I have asked my Department to prepare for a further round of the CSFF in 2026 which I expect to open soon. It is anticipated that the next CSFF round will particularly target areas and sports that have been under-invested in over the years.
The Department is currently collating feedback from sporting clubs and organisations which provides valuable input to our ongoing preparations for the next round. This includes, inter alia, considering the impact of the increase in costs since allocations under the most recent CSFF round in 2024. New guidelines will be published in advance of the opening of the next round which will include eligibility, likely assessment criteria and maximum grant amounts for the next round.
My aim is to have as many eligible sporting bodies as possible applying, by simplifying the application process and guide, and carrying out a wide-reaching communications campaign.
Many clubs are relying on volunteers, and I anticipate that a revised application and assessment process which is being developed by my officials, will make it easier and quicker for applicants to navigate the system at all stages, as well as allowing for quicker turn-around times while also streamlining the workload for my Department.
The administrative resources within my Department dedicated to the next round of the CSFF will be determined by the volume of applications. My officials, as always, will be available to assist applicants throughout the process from application to final payment stages.
All registered organisations on my Department's grant management system will be automatically notified when a new round of CSFF is open for applications. It is important to note that the CSFF is currently temporarily closed for registrations in order to facilitate migration to a new IT system. Organisations that are currently registered will automatically transfer to the new portal. The new system portal will be launched and open to new registrations in the coming weeks. Further details on this will be published and communicated broadly.
No decisions have been made on the quantum of funding to be made available for another round of the CSFF and any decisions in this regard will be subject to the approval of the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation.
With regard to a future round of the LSSIF, I am committed to ensuring sustained investment in sports facilities to meet our ambitious goals for sports participation nationwide. The Programme for Government commits to maintaining sports funding to get more people participating in all levels of sport, particularly targeting cohorts in society where there are lower than average participation levels.
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.
90. Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport whether his Department has engaged with relevant bodies under his aegis over the financial implications of the cancellation of the Ireland Israel fixtures or refusal to broadcast them should they go ahead; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44494/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Irish people are deeply concerned about the conflict in the Middle East and Gulf region, particularly the situation in Palestine. The Government remains committed to working with key partners to end the conflict and to advancing a sustainable peace plan.
The Government has taken a strong stance in respect of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Ireland has intervened in the South African case at the International Court of Justice. We have recognised the State of Palestine. We are legislating against the import of goods from the Occupied Territories.
Israeli actions in Palestine consistently contravene international law and the Government continues to press for appropriate action, both at EU and international level, in response to egregious Israeli breaches of human rights and democratic principles.
There have been many calls for Irish sports organisations to boycott or exclude Israel from international sporting competitions, in the context of the conflict in Gaza. These include calls on the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) not to fulfil its UEFA Nations League fixtures against Israel this Autumn. There has been extensive recent debate in this House on this topic in the last couple of days.
Any official boycott, or cancellation of the fixture, would set a dangerous precedent with wider implications that are not realistic or reasonable in the sporting landscape, especially ahead of the Olympics in Los Angles in 2028.
National Governing Bodies of sport (NGBs), such as the FAI, are independent, autonomous bodies responsible for the governance of their own sports, including the organisation of sporting fixtures, whether in domestic or international competitions.
Neither the Government, my Department nor Sport Ireland have a role in determining or supporting the organisation of such fixtures, nor in any arrangements to broadcast them.
The FAI has stated that it intends to fulfil both fixtures against Israel in accordance with its obligations as a member of UEFA. Where such fixtures take place is ultimately a matter for the FAI and UEFA.
As Minister with responsibility for Sport, I have no role in how NGBs organise their sports or in their day-to-day operational functions and it would not be appropriate for me to intervene in matters such as this.
