Sport Ireland has opened the application process for €35 million of funding in response to the rising energy costs crisis.
The purpose of the funding, which was secured as part of Budget 2023, is to support National Governing Bodies of Sport (NGBs) and their affiliated Clubs with the rising energy costs associated with the provision of sport throughout the winter period.
Clubs will be required to engage with their individual National Governing Body which should have been in touch with the guidelines that apply.
The application window is a short one with all applications required by Friday week, November 25th.
Depending on the level of submissions, NGB’s should hear about their success or otherwise in December with payments to clubs beginning in January.
“Sports clubs and National Governing bodies form the backbone of many communities across Ireland and this Government is steadfast in our support for these organisations,” said Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin.
“For this reason, we are rolling out the Energy Support Scheme which we are confident will be of enormous help to those who access it.”
“This Government is committed to a healthy, vibrant sports sector as we all know the many benefits that involvement in sport and physical activity bring to individuals and communities,” added Minister of State for Sport Jack Chambers.
“Grassroots clubs as well as National Governing Bodies are key components of the sports sector and I am very pleased to be able to support them through the Energy Support Scheme.”
“This will help to ensure clubs and communities can keep their floodlights on, sports halls heated and cover a range of energy related costs over the colder, darker winter months.”
Getting three Ministers into a photograph for an announcement is rare but shows the importance of this scheme to Government.
“This Government recognises the immense value of sport to communities all across Ireland and is committed to assisting the sport sector in the current difficult environment of high inflation,” said Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Michael McGrath TD.
“The Energy Support Scheme, underpinned by €35 million in funding provided in the Budget, is a timely and effective means of ensuring funding gets to local clubs. We are pleased to be able to provide this support to the National Governing Bodies and their members as the appropriate vehicle to distribute this vital funding support.”
“We are delighted to announce details of this Energy Support Scheme aimed at supporting our National Governing Bodies and their clubs at a time of need and, along with various support schemes announced and rolled out during the recent Covid-19 pandemic, it shows the commitment of the Government to supporting a robust sports sector,” added Sport Ireland CEO Dr Una May.
