Almost €6m in additional Dormant Accounts Funding has been announced for National Governing Bodies of Sport in the closing moments of 2024.
This is the second round of Dormant Accounts Funding allocated to sport by the Government in the calendar year, following an earlier investment package of €5.1m allocated for Local Sports Partnerships and Active Disability Ireland.
€1.5 million is being made available for an NGB Equality, Diversity and Inclusion fund, €1 million for an NGB Volunteer Supports Fund, and €210,000 for an NGB Community Sports and Physical Activity Fund.
Disability sport is to the fore with €1.235 million for Disability Capital Supports, €745,000 for Disability Programmes and €255,000 for the Disability Training and Education Fund.
€575,000 is being made available for the Get Ireland Walking, Swimming, Cycling and Running Programmes, €200,000 for the Her Moves Fund, €100,000 for a Teen Sport Innovation Programme and €150,000 for Ireland Active.
“The announcement of the Dormant Accounts Fund allocation will allow our sporting bodies to continue to carry out valuable work in communities across Ireland, supporting those experiencing disadvantage or with disabilities, and helping to increase participation in sport and physical activity,” said Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin.
“In reflecting on 2024, I believe that we can view it as a year of triumph for Irish sport,” added Minister of State for Sport, Physical Education and the Gaeltacht, Thomas Byrne.
“We have seen record medals won at the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris, new record times set by our high performance athletes, and record funding delivered by the Government for our sports facilities. However, our ambition must not end there.”
“In looking ahead to 2025, it is imperative that we continue to support the valuable work undertaken by our National Governing Bodies of Sport, especially when it comes to making sport more inclusive and accessible for everyone. This significant investment in our National Governing Bodies is all about bridging gaps, ensuring everyone can lead active, healthier lives regardless of their background.”
The Dormant Accounts Fund allows unclaimed funds from accounts in credit institutions in Ireland to be utilised for projects focused on overcoming the barriers and challenges to participation in sport for those who are economically or educationally disadvantaged, or those affected by a disability. Sport Ireland has a strong track record in Dormant Accounts Fund delivery since 2015.
“We are very happy to announce this investment package of €5.97m as part of our continuing commitment to promoting inclusivity and accessibility in sports and physical activities across Ireland,” said Sport Ireland CEO Dr Una May.
SPORT FOR BUSINESS PERSPECTIVE
This may be the final announcements from the outgoing Minister and Minister of State, depending on the speed of Government formation talks but it is good to see the commitment to future funding already in place.
WHAT’S UP NEXT?
Submissions for Core Funding have been completed by National Governing Bodies and Local Sports Partnerships and announcements on the level of these for 2025 will be made in the coming months.
MEMBERSHIP AND EVENTS
Sport Ireland and the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media are full members of the Sport for Business Community in 2025.
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The Sport for Business Membership comprises nearly 300 organisations, including all the leading sports and sponsors, as well as commercial and state agencies.
